Only use electrical appliances for their intended purpose
The first thing to make sure of is that you're using appliances for their intended purposes. Electrical appliances and their safety mechanisms are all designed for specific purposes. By using an appliance for something other than its intended purpose, you risk introducing factors that weren't considered during safety testing.
Check for any signs of damage
Before using any electrical appliances, especially those that haven't been used in a while, you must check for any obvious signs of damage. Things such as frayed cords or damaged insulation can be a safety risk. If the appliance has obvious signs of damage, you shouldn't use it until it is repaired or replaced.
Storing electrical appliances
All electrical appliances must be stored in a safe place that minimises the risk of damage. Electrical appliances usually come with instructions for storage. It is recommended to keep these instructions, but sometimes they go missing or are thrown out. Unless an appliance is designed to be used around water, it should be stored in a dry place where it can't be damaged by water. Devices such as power tools that could be dangerous should also be kept in a place that is out of the reach of children.
Water and electricity
Most water is very conductive, making it a risk to have around electrical appliances. If water gets into the circuit of an appliance, it can cause the electricity to take the wrong path. This is known as shorting and can cause many different problems. In addition to the damage that shorting can do to the circuit, it can start electrical fires and even electrocute you.
Anything that uses electricity should only be operated with dry hands and should be kept away from water unless otherwise specified. If any water gets into the device, it should be turned off and disconnected from its power source immediately, unless doing so would be a safety risk.
Don't repair things yourself
Chances are, you aren't qualified to service or repair electrical appliances. Depending on what it is, trying to repair electrical appliances or instalments can be extremely dangerous, even for people who are qualified. The best thing that you can do (in addition to calling a professional) is to disconnect whatever is damaged from its power source. Generally, this will mean switching it off at the wall and unplugging it. If the power cord itself is damaged, make sure that the power outlet is off before unplugging it.
Unfortunately, there are times when this won't be possible, such as when something has its own power source, the power outlet is inaccessible or it's wired into the home. If this is the case and the damage is an immediate safety risk, contact an emergency electrician.
Have things repaired as soon as possible
Many electrical appliances and instalments can present serious safety risks when they are damaged, especially if there are wires exposed. It's important to address these as soon as possible before they have a chance to cause an issue. This doesn't only apply to obvious things either. If an electrical appliance is acting strangely, such as unusual noises or movements, this can be another sign that you need to get your appliance serviced. Although you may be trying to save money by leaving it be, you'll end up spending more if you need to replace it. On top of this, if you or someone else gets injured, you'll have more to worry about than just the monetary cost.
Get electrical repairs, electrical servicing, electrical inspections and more for an affordable price at General Electrics.