Overview
The Electrical systems of your home deliver the electricity that is available at the outlets around your home where appliances can be plugged in.
The Electrical systems also include: the electric wiring and switches for light fixtures which are permanently installed in your ceilings and walls; the electric panel where power comes into your home and which contains breakers or fuses which trip off when there is a problem with one or more of the electrical circuits in your home; and the electric circuits which provide power to fixtures and outlets which are on the outside of your home.
Routine Care
Test all GFI outlets (ground fault interrupters) in kitchen, baths, etc.
This task is important for safety reasons. If operating properly, circuit breakers and ground fault interrupters (GFI) will automatically trip when an appliance creates a short circuit. If they don’t operate properly, a short circuit can potentially cause a fire.
Testing circuit breakers and ground fault interrupters (GFI) help to ensure that they will operate properly when needed.
Timing: September (yearly)
How To
The following is how to test circuit breakers and ground fault interrupters (GFI) to ensure they are providing the proper protection:
Circuit breakers are found the metal electrical box typically found in a basement or closet (see the above picture on the right). You can test circuit breakers by switching from the “on” to the “off” position, and back again. If you have any questions about how to do this, then you should contact a professional.
Ground fault interrupters (GFI) outlets are typically found where you have water near electrical outlets, for example in kitchens and bathrooms.
You check the operation of all ground-fault circuit interrupter outlets by pushing the “test” button. The “reset” button should pop out, indicating the receptacle is operating properly. Press in the reset button when finished.
Benefits
The benefits of this task are relatively high. Doing this task helps ensure the safe operation of your home’s electrical system.
Costs
The cost of this task is very low. It is estimated that this task should only take about 30 minutes to complete, depending on how many circuits and GFI outlets you have in your home. No specialized tools are required.
Originally posted at http://www.petermuehlbronner.home-wizard.com/electrical/overview