You might think an appliance can be plugged into any electrical outlet, but that's far from the case. According to Electrical Safety First, 71% of electrical fires in 2017 and 2018 were started by appliances. Here's what you need to know about safely plugging in appliances in your home.

Avoid Power Strips

For starters, you should avoid plugging any demanding appliances into power strips. Power strips are fine for small electronics that don't require a lot of power, but they're not designed to handle heavy electrical loads. When you're plugging in an air conditioner, space heater, or microwave, keep power strips out of the picture. Large appliances, like washers and dryers, should also never be plugged into a power strip.

Unplug Appliances You're Not Using

There are some things you can leave plugged in for days or weeks on end, but you don't want to leave small appliances plugged in when you're not using them. If there's a sudden surge of voltage that affects an outlet with a small appliance connected, that appliance could short-circuit or suddenly turn on as a result. If there's a short circuit or similar problem, call a licensed electrician immediately.

Understand 240V Power

When it comes to the largest appliances in your home, you need to make sure you're plugging them into a capable outlet. Some larger appliances like dishwashers, refrigerators, and stoves use 240-volt power, while regular outlets are only designed for 110-volt power. If you want to move an appliance to a location that doesn't currently have 240V power, you'll need to hire a licensed electrician.

When in Doubt, Call an Expert

You don't want to mess around when it comes to appliances and your electrical system. You can cause a lot of damage if you plug something into the wrong outlet or cause a short circuit, so it's best to call a licensed electrician if you ever have any doubts about connecting appliances.

Electrical problems are no small matter, so knowing how to properly connect the appliances in your home is essential. For many homeowners, hiring a licensed electrician is the easiest way to avoid potential electrical problems and fire hazards. If you need assistance with determining how to safely connect all the appliances in your home, call ADB & Son Electric Inc today.