An average household has at least three to four major appliances. Some homes have half a dozen and more. Television and lights, fans and desktops are not major appliances. When we talk about major appliances, we are implying air conditioners, heating and ventilation units, washing machines, microwaves, refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers, mixers and juicers among others. Typically, you would buy these major appliances and would want the technicians to have them installed. If that service is not available then you may try to install the appliances yourself.
Don’t just go ahead with the installation without proper prepping. You must ensure that it is safe to install the major appliance you have purchased. Here are five home electric safety tips when installing major appliances.
Check the wattage of the appliance and then check the voltage of the power outlets. Every type of power outlet has a certain voltage which is the upper limit. Every appliance will require a certain voltage power outlet or socket depending on the wattage of power needed to run the appliance. If you don’t plug the appliance in an appropriate socket then you are risking your electrical setup and the appliance. The appliance will not run and it may go kaput. You may also blow your electrical circuit if the installation is not done properly and in appropriate sockets.
You need to have the wiring inspected or checked out to ensure that the wiring can support the power the major appliance will draw. The wiring needed for an air conditioner or refrigerator is not the same that you need for your fans or lights or even desktops. If you have appropriate wiring then the inspection process will tell you that and if you don’t then have the wiring upgraded or the appropriate wiring installed before setting up the major appliance.
The power outlets must be earthed. All major appliances need the power outlets to be earthed. Typically, the mains are earthed and thereon every power outlet is singularly earthed but there can be some that are not. Be doubly sure before proceeding.
You may have to redo the fuse in your mains, distribution panels or at circuit breakers if the fuse present is not appropriate for the major appliances.
Hire a Miami electrician before trying to do anything yourself. Don’t presume and don’t try to attempt to upgrade or check out your electrical wiring, circuits and fuses if you are not trained. Consult an electrician in Miami and then proceed with the installation of major appliances.