Appliances are so common in our day-to-day lives that we don’t always consider safety concerns when using them. Safety should always be considered, though, when using any machine. Here are some key tips to keep your home and family safe when using common household appliances.

Install GFCI Outlets

We all know that appliances should generally be kept away from water due to the risk of electric shock. However, simply separating appliances from water is just the start.

Installing a GFCI (ground-fault circuit interrupter) outlet is a must if appliances or outlets are near water or in damp locations. If there’s a power fluctuation caused by water and appliances coming into contact, these outlets will trip the circuit and stop the flow of electricity. This keeps people safe from electric shock and helps protect appliances from being overloaded.

GFCI outlets are often needed in locations prone to water exposure or damp conditions, including:

• Laundry rooms
• Bathrooms
• Kitchens
• Outdoor areas

If you don’t have GFCI outlets, you should consider installing them. This important electrical upgrade can make a huge difference in the safety of your household. 

Avoid Using Extension Cords

Using an extension cord to connect an appliance to an outlet may seem like a no-brainer. Unfortunately, this “no-brainer” is actually a “no-no.”

Extension cords should only be used as a temporary solution to power appliances because they:

• Increase the chance of power fluctuations that could damage the appliance
• Increase the number of locations where water could be introduced
• Pose a fire hazard due to the potential for loose connections and sparks
• Can cause wires to overheat and start a fire if the appliance draws more power than the extension cord can handle

Instead of using an extension cord, you may need to move the appliance closer to an appropriate outlet. This small change is key to keeping your home and family safe.

Read the Manual

While appliance user manuals may not be great literature, they have important information about proper usage and appliance troubleshooting. Manuals highlight necessary safety measures and give information on keeping your appliance in good working order.

The user manual will also tell you if your home’s wiring is suitable for the appliance in question. To avoid the risk of fire or appliance damage, it’s essential that your wiring can handle the electrical load of your appliance. If it can’t, you may need to call an electrician to do some upgrades.

The user’s manual will also give you important information about:

• Safe installation and use
• Whether your appliance is suitable for indoor and/or outdoor use
• Best practices to mitigate water exposure

You’ll also get the added benefit of learning about your appliance’s advanced features and any warranties it comes with. Being armed with information upfront will help you prioritize safety and get the most out of your appliance.

Morris County Appliance Repair has been in business since 1962 and we’re proud to serve the appliance repair needs of Rockaway, Chatham, and the greater Morris County area. Call us today if you have questions about appliance safety, installation, or repairs. We’re licensed and insured for your peace of mind and we offer both emergency service and regular appointments for your convenience. Morris County Appliance Repair—You Can Count On Us!