Electrical Appliance Wiring

Appliances and Outlets

• Electrical plugs for appliances in the United States have either two or three-prong alignments. Two-prong alignments don't include ground plugs, whereas three-prong plugs do. Ground plugs help prevent electrical shortages in household appliances due to power surges or malfunctions. Replacing two-prong wall outlets to accommodate appliances with three-prong alignments is crucial in preventing electrical mishaps that can damage appliances, melt electrical wiring in the home and lead to fires. Electrical house fires are particularly dangerous because typical signs of fire, including smoke, may not be visible until significant damage has already occurred.

Check Manufacturer Labels

• Labeling on home appliances usually has approval stamps from inspection organizations declaring the devices safe for home use. Stamps from the Underwriters Laboratories Inc., The Canadian Standards Association or ETL Testing Laboratories show that devices went through safety testing processes before they were released to the general public. Government code officials may may use these safety stamps as reference points for appropriate inspection procedures, according to the Underwriters Laboratories Inc, website. Appliances lacking approval from one of these organizations may have substandard wiring that may overheat easily and cause damage.

Appliance Voltage Ratings

• An appliance's voltage plays a key role in determining how many can safely use a single electrical outlet in the home. Appliances drawing between 110 and 120 volts, including convection ovens and dishwashers, require a dedicated line or plug. No other household appliances or devices can share power from that line. Doing so can diminish the functionality of these appliances, melt wiring and cause electrical breakers to trip. This causes a power loss for every outlet controlled by the particular breaker. Appliances lacking grounding wires or surge protection may sustain damage due to the sudden loss of power. Overloading breakers with too many appliances for an outlet can lead to breaker failure.

Frayed Wires and Connections

• An appliance with frayed wires or connectors is potentially dangerous. Frayed wiring may mean the appliance's electrical current isn't grounding properly through its connection to the wall outlet. A homeowner can easily sustain a mild to severe electrical shock from picking up an appliance with faulty wiring or connections. If damaged wiring from units is visible, avoid handling the appliances directly and instead contact a licensed repair professional to examine the devices.