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: : TECH TIPS
SHOCKING FACTS:
Each year in this country, hundreds of people die, and thousands
more are seriously injured in accidents involving electrical fires
and shocks. Almost all of these instances could have been prevented
by following simple safety guidelines.
FUSES OR CIRCUIT BREAKERS:
First of all, if you have fuses in your home, you should seriously
consider replacing them with newer circuit breakers. Breakers are
more reliable, and can trip instantaneously before a problem arises.
• If a breaker should trip, don't just reset it. Find out why
it is happening. Determine what caused it to overload and correct
the problem.
• Never replace a fuse or circuit breaker with one that exceeds
the amperage rating of the one being replaced.
• Avoid using high-amperage appliances, such as irons or blow
dryers, or other heating products on the same circuit.
GROUND FAULT CIRCUIT INTERRUPTER: (GFCI)
A GFCI is an electronic device installed in the home that constantly
monitors the amount of current flowing through a circuit and turns
off the electricity at the first sign of an imbalance. They are
required by the national electric code to be installed on all counter
tops in kitchen areas, in all bathrooms, and in all unfinished garages
and basements. They can protect you from prolonged electric shock
by interrupting the current flow before someone is injured. They
can be hard wired into your electrical panel for individual circuits.
If you have them in your home at present, they should be tested
monthly.
WARNING SIGNS:
You can spot many electrical problems before they cause a fire or
injury. Be alert to any burning smell and the following danger signs:
• Recurring problems with blowing fuses or circuit breakers.
Locate what is on that circuit.
• Feeling a mild "tingle" when you use any electrical
appliance or touch a water faucet or pipe.
• Discoloration or sizzling sound at any wall outlets or switches.
• Watch if your lights begin to flicker or dim slightly. Notice
when it happens, or if a motor appliance is being turned on.
When you spot any of these warning signs, don't wait. Take action
at once. Call Lunar Electric to locate and correct the problem
immediately.
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