Electrical Mistakes that Could Damage Your Appliances

If you want to make sure your appliances stay functional and efficient for as long as the manufacturer claims it can last, then proper care and maintenance is non-negotiable. One wrong move and you could be looking at a costly repair—or worse, a total replacement.

In this brief article brought to you by Mr. Electric, we share our two cents on what NOT to do. Let's look at some electrical mistakes that could damage your appliances. If you'd rather consult an experienced electrician or arrange an urgent repair, then call or message Mr. Electric to get in touch with a uniformed professional.

MISTAKE 1: Overloading Circuits Like It's No Big Deal

What most homeowners do if there aren't enough outlets in a room is bring in the power strips and extension cords, but plugging multiple large appliances into the same circuit is asking for trouble. Here's why.

Most circuits in a home are designed to carry a limited electrical load. When you exceed that limit, you risk overheating the wiring, tripping the breaker, or even starting an electrical fire.

If you find yourself constantly juggling plugs, daisy-chaining extension cords, or hearing that “click” from the breaker box more often than you’d like, then it's probably time to call in an electrician to evaluate load capacity, upgrade your panel, or add dedicated circuits where you need them most.

MISTAKE 2: Ignoring the Signs of Faulty Wiring

Flickering lights, warm outlets, and buzzing sounds aren’t just spooky; they're serious red flags. These warning signs can indicate your wires are wearing out or struggling, and faulty wiring can mean voltage drops or irregular surges. Appliances are particularly sensitive to these inconsistencies. A momentary spike might not kill them instantly, but it wears them down over time.

If your lights dim every time the washing machine starts up, or if your appliance cords feel hot to the touch, then it's time to call Mr. Electric to have a certified electrician investigate.

MISTAKE 3: Running Large Appliances Without Grounding

Grounding your electrical system gives excess electricity a safe path to travel. This helps prevent shock and damage during a surge. Believe it or not, these are relatively new features. Some older homes or DIY outlets could be missing this basic protection.

Running major appliances like your washer or water heater without proper grounding is like driving without seatbelts. Sure, you might not crash today, but you’re awfully vulnerable when something goes wrong. Call Mr. Electric if you notice two-pronged outlets or GFCI outlets that are malfunctioning.

MISTAKE 4: Skipping Surge Protection

Many homeowners think surge protectors are just fancy power strips for computers. Not quite. Whole-house surge protection is one of the smartest investments you can make - especially if your home is filled with expensive appliances.

It's not just about defending against lightning strikes. Even small power surges caused by appliances cycling can cause damage to sensitive internal components. Over time, these “micro-surges” add up to leave you with sluggish appliances. The pros at Mr. Electric DO offer surge protection installation services, so call today to learn more and/or schedule an appointment.

Give Your Appliances the Love They Deserve. Call Mr. Electric

Your appliances work hard for you. With just a bit of care, you can make sure they enjoy a long and trouble-free life. Whether you’re noticing odd behavior from your machines or need an emergency electrical repair service, the team at Mr. Electric is always ready to help. Call or message us today to get in touch.