Home Electrical Problems And Solutions

Electrical Safety Answers

What are some of the electrical warnings I should be aware of?

Dim or flickering lights, arcs, sparks, sizzles and buzzing sounds, odours like the smell of burning plastic, switch and receptacle plates that are warm to the touch, cracked or loose plugs and wall plates, damaged insulation, frequent tripping of circuit breakers or flown fuses and electrical shocks. If you notice any of theses warning signs, you should call a licensed electrician.

How Can I Protect Myself from Electrical Injury

Look for problems in your home's electrical systems. Outlets and extension cords should be checked to make sure they are not overloaded. You should examine electrical cords to make sure they are not frayed or damaged or placed in spots where people may trip over them. You should make sure that the proper wattage light bulbs are being used in light fixtures and lamps. Consider installing GFCI's ground fault circuit interrupters. One of the most important precautions you can take is to make sure the batteries in your smoke detectors are working properly. You can perform minor repairs, such as changing a fuse with one of the proper ampere rating. To change a circuit breaker, check the panel for any sign of corrosion. For both, dry hands a dry floor are necessary. Note: Where it is found that the removal of the panel board cover may present some problem for you, we suggest that a licensed electrician be contacted to replace a defective circuit breaker.

Benefits of Fuses vs. Breakers

There are no safety advantages to having circuit breakers instead of fuses. The main difference is that circuit breakers can be reset, while blown fuses must be replaced. If a circuit breaker trips, simply reset it. If a fuse blows, first turn off the main power. Then, replace it with a fuse of the correct amp rating. Never put a penny or other metal object behind or in place of the fuse. Before resetting the circuit breaker or replacing the fuse, you should unplug all electrical products used on that circuit. Then, plug in each electrical product one by one after the circuit is operating properly. Before touching anything, make sure your hands and the floor are dry. If your breakers trip or your fuses blow repeatedly, call a licensed electrician because this may indicate a problem in your electrical system.

Why Different Power Ratings in Circuits?

Some larger household appliances, such as washers, dryers, stoves, refrigerators, and air conditioners, draw more current and have their own circuits. You should never plug in additional appliances with any of these products-doing so could overload the circuit.

Risks of Over Lamping

Using a light bulb with a wattage rating higher that that recommended by the manufacture could create a shock hazard or increase the risk of fire. Read the marking on the product or the use and care booklet to determine what wattage light bulb is suitable for the product.

Three Prong Plugs

The three-prong plug on a three-way wire cord provides a path for electricity from an electrical product to leave the product. Simply put, the third wire is a ground and when your drill, for instance, shorts out, the power would naturally follow the ground wire rather than go through your body.

How Does a Polarized Plug Work

On a Polarized plug, one of the blades on the plug is larger than the other. A polarized plug properly aligns energized and neutral wires to reduce the risk of an electric shock. Some appliances have them, based on the type of product and its use.

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