Electrical Systems

Circuit Breakers

Your electrical wiring and appliances are protected by circuit breakers located in the main panel box. Circuit breakers which have “tripped” should be reset by first switching the breaker to the full “OFF” position, then fully back to the “ON” position. (There will be an audible click.)

Ordinarily, small appliances may be added to any circuit without fear of overloading it. However, large appliances or too many small appliances on one circuit may cause the circuit breaker protecting that circuit to trip.

Reminder: Be very careful. Avoid direct contact with worn wires or plugs you suspect may be the problem. If you cannot locate the cause yourself, call an electrician.

Other causes of circuit breaker tripping are: (l) worn out cords or defective plug connections; (2) defects within an appliance; (3) starting an electrical motor (motors require more current to start than they require when operating); (4) outlet exposed to a high level of moisture.

If after re-setting the circuit breaker, it trips again, you should immediately attempt to locate the cause and correct.

Electrical Service Entrance

The electrical service entrance, which provides power to the service panel, has been designed for the electrical needs of the house. Do not tamper with the cable feeding this service.

If the power feed to your home is installed underground (vs. overhead), call your local power company to flag the location of this feed before doing any digging or trenching. This service is offered free of charge by the utility company.

GFCI Breaker – Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter

The ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) is a low voltage breaker required by building code as a safety feature to control the electrical current to “wet” areas of your home. The GFCI breaker controls plugs in the bathrooms, garage, outside, and near the kitchen sink. Its purpose is to sense extra load on the circuit and cut power to prevent electrical shock. The test/reset button is located on one of the GFCI plugs. Push the button “in” to reconnect power to the plug.

You should check your appliance for a possible short or other malfunction if the breaker continues to cut off. NOTE: Do not plug your food freezer into the outlet in your garage unless it is specified as a “FREEZER” outlet. Read the manufacturer’s recommendations carefully and follow the testing, maintenance and service instructions routinely.

Lights, Fixtures & Bulbs

Most of the surface mount light fixtures in your home are designed to accept a maximum of 60 watts. Larger bulbs generate too much heat to be dissipated by the fixture. This can be a dangerous fire hazard.

To prevent this hazard, do not exceed the rating marked on the fixture. The glass portion of most surface-mounted fixtures is held in place with set screws. These screws should never be tightened more than finger tight to avoid breaking the glass. Always take care cleaning the fixtures, as most are fragile.

Recessed light fixtures are located throughout your new home. These fixtures have thermal overload devices that automatically turn off a light when the temperature is too high inside the fixture. Do not use bulbs greater than 75 watts. A higher wattage bulb may activate the thermal overload device and automatically shut down the light fixture.

Main Circuit Breaker

Your home is equipped with a main circuit breaker which completely controls the electrical current to your home. This main circuit breaker is located in the electrical service panel box along with numerous smaller circuit breakers. On the inside lid of the breaker box you will find a description of which circuit breakers control the various rooms and appliances in your home.

Power Failures

In the event of complete power failure, first check to see if your neighbor has power. If not, notify the power company. If the power failure has occurred only in your house, check the main circuit breaker located in the panel box to determine if it has been “tripped.” If this doesn’t correct the problem, flip the main breaker to the OFF position and call the power company.

Safety Tips:

• Do not overload any one circuit by using too many appliances at the same time.
• If your portable power tools are equipped with 3-wire cords, the third wire should be grounded.
• Water is a conductor of electricity — always unplug appliances before touching a water faucet and the appliance at the same time.
• Metal sockets on pull-chain or porcelain fixtures, especially in damp locations, should never be touched with wet hands.
• Never touch a fan, radio or any other appliance while in a bathtub or shower. In fact, the best practice is to never use such appliances in bathrooms.
• Never touch an electrical device at the same time you touch part of the plumbing system.
• Your electrical system is warranted (parts and labor) against defects of material and workmanship for one full year, except light fixtures. Light fixtures will be repaired or replaced and light bulbs replaced only if they have been noted on the Certificate of Homeowner Orientation Inspection document.
• Electrical boxes located on exterior walls of the home may allow cold air to flow through the outlet. This is normal.
• Power surges can cause bulbs to burn out. Power surges are the result of local conditions within the utility providing electrical service.

Switched Outlets

When you first move into your home, you may find an outlet that does not operate. First, check to determine if the outlet is one that operates from a wall switch in that room. If so, only the upper receptacle in the appropriate duplex receptacle will be controlled by the wall switch. If the outlet is not controlled by a switch in the room, check to make sure the appliance/light fixture is operable in another location. (The appliance or light fixture may be in need of repair; or the light fixture may need the light bulb replaced.)