Working with electricity is dangerous and you need to make sure you take all necessary safety precautions। The articles in this section provide information about checking insulation on a cord, making sure your light bulbs have proper wattage, moving appliances away from water and making sure your extension cords are used correctly.
Electrical Problems: 3 Common Solutions
For most people, solving electrical problems are a daunting task. Typically with electricity, the poblem is larger than it may seem, however, these minor problems can usually be fixed quite simply.
1. An Appliance Stops Working
If an electrical appliance stops working, check the power supply. If other appliances are working use a mains tester to check that there is power in the socket. No power in the socket means the fuse has blown or the circuit breaker has tripped. If there is power the appliance is at fault.
2. Smell of Hot Plastic
The smell of hot plastic should not be ignored. Find out where the smell is coming from. If it is from a plug or socket the most common cause is a wiring problem. Check that all terminals in the plug and socket are screwed tight. The heat is usually caused by electricity arcing across a gap.
3. No Power in the House
Check that the main fuse has not blown or the main circuit breaker has not tripped. Check to see if your neighbors have power. It could be a general outage.
If a fuse blows or a circuit breaker trips try to discover the cause before you repair it or it will blow again।
Common Circuit Breaker Problems
The most common circuit breaker problems occur when the circuit is left unprotected and the wire carrying the high voltage tends to heat up to a melting point causing damage and fire. Mentioned below are a few common circuit breaker problems:
Miswiring of the electrical system
Most often, the reason behind circuit breakdown is the miswiring of the electrical system. This problem can lead to improper shutting down of the electrical device. The electrical device may continue running even after the switch is shut down.
Another result of miswiring can be an electric shock. Generally this type of electrical shock is not critical, but it can have harmful effects on people using electrical home appliances. Miswiring can damage your appliances, switches and other electrical devices permanently or cause temporary operating problems.
You can surely cure a problem of this extent by reviewing the circuits that are affected and by testing the electrical system completely.
Tripped Circuit Breaker: Circuit Overload
You might have faced the problem of tripped circuit breakers. This problem happens frequently due to circuit overload. This happens when too many electronic devices are plugged or operated into a single electronic outlet. If you use too many electronic appliances plugged in one location, the single circuit will get overloaded and trip or switch off to lighten the load. The main idea behind tripping is to protect the circuit s from getting overloaded. The circuit breaker mechanism has been specially designed to protect the electrical system in households.
You can easily prevent circuit overload by following a few electrical safety tips. One method is by avoiding plugging much electronic equipment in one outlet. Turn off those devices which are not in use and also check for any loose connections in your outlets.
Short Circuit
One more common circuit breaker problems is short circuit. Short circuits can lead to tripped circuit breakers. Short circuits take place when a hot wire touches another neutral wire. This leads to the tripping of the circuit breaker because of the electrical current overload. Short circuits can be a serious problem. The main problem is in the electrical wiring hence; it is advisable to get it checked immediately to avoid further serious damage.
If you ever notice a short circuit in your device plugged into the outlet, do check the exterior of the cord. Check for a burning odor. Replace or repair the wires if you find them damaged. Exposed wires can pose a serious threat as they have electrical current flowing through them.
These are the common circuit breaker problems which need to be taken care of। You can easily avoid such problems by following certain procedures to ensure efficient working of the electrical system of your home.
Where You Need a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter
There are certain places where a ground fault circuit interrupter is required by national and local building codes. They are intended to minimize the chance of electrocution, and add an additional layer of safety to your home electrical system.
Exterior Power Outlets
GFCI receptacles serve as a backup for your breaker panel. Anytime you install power outdoors, or in an area that is only partially protected from the weather, a GFCI is the correct type of connector to use.
Kitchen and Laundry
In the kitchen and laundry, where spills and splashes are a common problems, a gfci outlet could prevent severe shocks or electrocution, Similarly, the bathroom should be wired with GFCI receptacles.
Pool and Spa
Around a pool, spa, or hot tub, you should always use a GFCI circuit. If a leak should develop and the receptacle becomes soaked suddenly, the circuit will fail, protecting your breaker panel and reducing the hazard of fire.
GFCI is Required
You do not need an Electrician's license to install a GFCI, but your local building codes probably do require them in all of the areas mentioned above। They cost a little more than a traditional GFCI, but provide you with a measure of safety and security that makes the investment worthwhile.
Outdoor Electrical Outlet Safety Tips
Having an outdoor electrical outlet can be a huge convenience, but they can be a safety concern, too. Here are a few tips to keep you and your home safe.
Water Hazards
When considering outdoor electrical outlets, remember to be sure they are not placed near water sources. Some homes have a water hose connection near an outlet, and if this is the case at your home, one option is to cover the outlet with a weatherproof box. Also, keep plug covers in the outlet for added safety.
Using Extension Cords
If you need to use extension cords outdoors, make sure the cords you have are listed for outdoor use. They need to be able to weather harsh conditions and be made specifically for outdoor use. It’s also important to make sure you aren’t overloading the circuit being used, especially if you’re using high-powered tools.
Proximities of Fuel
It’s good safety practice to make sure you don't store any gas-powered tools or gas cans near the electrical outlet. Something as simple as turning on a power tool near a container of fuel can cause a spark, and sparks can ignite a larger gas source.
Tool Storage
Always be sure to store outdoor electrical tools in a clean, dry place। A secure, weatherproof storage shed is ideal. If this isn’t available it’s best to store them indoors. This will keep the electrical components in the tools intact and help avoid issues with the outlet in the future.
Cords
Every electrical appliance has a cord, and many homes use extension cords to increase the range of electrical outlets. These safety tips can help keep cords in good condition for safe operation.
- Check cords regularly for frays, cracks or kinks, including power tool cords, holiday lights and extension cords.
- Cords are not be jump ropes, clothes lines or leashes, and should never be used for anything other than their intended purpose.
- Cords should be firmly plugged into outlets – if the cord is loose and can pull out easily, choose a different, more snug outlet.
- Do not staple or nail cords in position at any time; if the cord does not remain where desired, use tape or twist ties to secure it.
- Cords should not be placed beneath rugs where they can become a trip hazard or where frays will not be noticeable. Furthermore, covering a cord will prevent it from keeping as cool as possible.
- Do not make modifications to a cord’s plug at any time – do not clip off the third prong or attempt to file down a wider prong to fit in a different outlet.
- Extension cords are a temporary solution only and their use should be minimized whenever possible.
- Use the proper weight and length of extension cord for the appropriate task, and be sure the cord is rated for indoor or outdoor use, whichever is required.
- When unplugging a cord, pull on the cord at the outlet rather than tug on the cord itself.
Outlets
Every cord has to plug into an appropriate electrical outlet, but these tempting niches are inviting to unwelcome objects that can cause shorts and fires. Use these electrical safety tips at home to keep outlets safe.
- Block unused outlets by changing to a solid cover plate or using childproof caps.
- Do not overload outlets with multiple adaptors or power strips; relocate cords instead.
- Never put any object other than the appropriate size plug into an outlet.
- Install ground fault circuit interrupter outlets in potentially hazardous areas such as near pools, crawlspaces, kitchens, bathrooms and unfinished basements.
- Keep all outlets properly covered with secure plates that cover all wiring.
Light Bulbs
Light bulbs are the single most common electrical fixture in homes, and proper light bulb safety can keep them from becoming a common electrical hazard.
- Use bulbs that have the correct wattage requirements for each fixture -- using a higher wattage bulb can cause the fixture to overheat.
- Consider switching to more efficient compact fluorescent bulbs that provide the same level of light at a lower wattage level.
- Always screw bulbs in tightly; a loose bulb can cause sparks or shorts.
- Be sure to unplug or turn off a fixture completely before changing light bulbs.
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