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safety tips
Home Appliance Safety Tips
Major household appliances require regular
maintenance to ensure safety and proper function. Some maintenance
can be done alone and others require the service of a professional.
Proper maintenance will ensure years of reliability and
efficiency. Not to mention, a safer environment.
Checking up on electrical aspects including
extension cords, circuit breakers, and fuses is the one
of the most important elements of appliance maintenance.
Improper cord connections can lead to fires, power failure,
and damage to the appliance. It is important to make sure
that they are secure. Also, make sure to pay attention to
the size rating of an extension cord and plug configurations.
To avoid serious damage, don't overload extension cords.
Depending on the age of your house, you
will be dealing with a fuse box or a circuit breaker. Often,
if a circuit is overloaded, you will lose power to your
appliance because the circuit will cut out. This may be
do to an appliance failure, an outlet failure, or you may
have blown a fuse. If a fuse has been blown, you can fix
this by realigning the switch in a circuit breaker or replacing
the blown fuse in your fuse box. However, never replace
an existing fuse with a larger one. This allows an extreme
current to flow which will lead to more problems.
Basic Appliance Safety Tips:
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Always turn off appliances that are
not being used. This saves money and is safer.
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Make sure all natural gas appliances
are properly vented outside.
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Avoid touching plumbing or other metal
when an appliance is in use.
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Keep all appliances away from water.
Never stand in water while using one.
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When replacing bulbs, make sure not
to use a bulb with more watts then the previous bulb.
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When buying tools and appliances, make
sure the product has been tested for safety by checking
for the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) seal of approval.
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Never store flammable chemicals anywhere
near an appliance with a pilot light.
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Always pay attention to worn spots,
brittleness and breaks on cords due to wear.
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Plug major appliances directly into
an outlet.
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Immediately repair or replace switches
and outlets that spark or cause shocks.
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Always know where to locate the circuit
breaker or fuse box in your home.
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Make sure to check your appliances
for incomplete combustion to prevent any harm caused
by carbon monoxide intake.
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