Refrigerator guide – Taking reasonable precautions
To keep your refrigerator performing good for many years and avoid accidents, we recommend taking the following precautions regarding use of cables, plugs and electricity in general.
If the cable is very worn, replace it. Do not put many plugs in a the same socket. Do not put cables under carpets or on radiators, pipes or other metallic objects.
Do not let cables overload because that’s fire hazard. To verify the load of a cable, simply check if they seem hot when touching. If you notice anything strange, be sure to use cables of adequate size.
When you have to change a part (like the bulb) of the refrigerator (which is a common problem), disconnect it first to avoid electric shock; To avoid any hazards, check the specs of the part your are changing before trying to install it.
If you have to go on a trip or you’ll be absent for a long time and nobody is going to check the plants, the dog, the cat, the gas… in short, everything, it’s best that you disconnect the refrigerator after emptying it. Clean it and leave it empty to avoid odors forming inside.
If you are going to be absent for only a week or so, you may leave it plugged in, but remember to verify the expiration date of the food. There is always the possibility of power cuts happening while you are not there and that a short circuit may occur.
Because of how refrigerators work, you should never connect an appliance if it’s placed in a humid area. Pools and bathrooms are the most dangerous places. Even if an appliance is turned off, there is still electrical power inside the appliance. Therefore, if a device falls into the water, disconnect it before attempting to take it out.
If there are children in your house do not let them hang from the doors and play with the refrigerator; teach them the precautions indicated above and keep them away from the cables. You can also place plastic caps on the sockets you’re not using.