ELECTRICAL

 Control Panel:  The master control panel that contains the electrical breakers for your home includes a "main" shut-off that controls all the electrical power to the home. In addition, individual breakers control the separate circuits. Be certain you are familiar with the location of the master panel.

 Each breaker is marked to help you identify which breaker is connected to which major appliances, outlets, or other service. Should a failure occur in any part of your home always check the breakers in the main panel box.

 Breakers:  Circuit breakers have three positions: on, off and tripped. When a circuit breaker trips, it must first be turned "off" before it can be turned it "on." Switching the breaker directly from "tripped" to "on" will not restore service.

 Outlets:  If a wall outlet is not working, check first to see if it is one that is controlled by a wall switch. Next check the breaker.

Breaker Tripping:  Breakers will often trip due to overloading the circuit by plugging too many appliances into it, a worn cord or defective item, or operating an appliance with too high a voltage requirement. The starting of an electric motor can also trip a breaker.

 If any circuit trips repeatedly, unplug all items connected to it and reset. If it trips when nothing is connected to it, you need an electrician and the problem shod be reported. If the circuit remains on, one of the items you unplugged is defective and requires repair or replacement.

 GFL (Ground Fault Interrupter):  GFI receptacles have a built in element which senses fluctuations in power. Quite simply, the GFI is an indoor circuit breaker. Installation of these receptacles is required by building codes in bathrooms, kitchen, outside, and garage (areas where an individual can come into contact with water while holding an electric appliance or tool). Heavy appliances such as freezers or power tools will trip the GFI breaker. Do NOT plug a refrigerator or food freezer into a GFI controlled outlet, the liklihood of the contents being ruined is very high; such damage is NOT covered by the limited warranty.

 Each GFI receptacle has a test and reset button. Once each month the test button should be pressed. This will trip the circuit. To return service, press the reset button. If a GFI breaker trips during normal use it may be an indication of a faulty appliance and some investigations is in order. An important point to remember is that one GFI breaker can control up to three or four outlets.

Unused Outlets:  If there are small children in the home, install safety plugs to cover unused baseboard outlets. This also minimizes air filtration that can sometimes occur with these outlets. Teach children never to touch electrical outlets, sockets, or fixtures.

 Ground:  Your electrical system is a three wire ground system. Never remove the bare wire which connects to the box or device.

 Buzzing:  Flourescent fixtures use transformer action to operate them. This action sometimes causes a buzzing.

 Underground Cables:  In areas with underground utilities, before digging or moving large amounts of soil, check the location of buried service leads by calling Blue Stakes.  In most cases wires run in a straight line from the service panel to the nearest public utility pad. Care should be taken to keep soil around the foundation from settling to protect this service; avoid large amounts of water at this point as well.

 Modifications:  Do not tamper with or add to your electrical system. For any modification that is needed contact a certified electrician.

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