|
|
|
|
|
BACK
Potential Electrical Hazards And Their Symptoms
|
| POWER OUTAGES |
|
fuses need replacement or circuit breakers need resetting frequently |
|
| OVERRATED PANEL |
|
electrical panel contains fuses or circuit breakers rated at higher currents than the ampacity (current capacity) of their branch circuits, some times called “overamped” or “overfused” |
|
| DIM/FLICKERING LIGHTS |
|
lights dim or the size of your television picture shrinks often |
|
| ARCS/SPARKS |
|
bright light flashes or showers of sparks anywhere in your electrical system |
|
| SIZZLES/BUZZES |
|
unusual sounds from the electrical system |
|
| OVERHEATING |
|
parts of your electrical system, such as switch plates, wall outlet covers, cords and plugs may be warm. These should never be hot-painful to touch, or discolored from heat |
|
| PERMANENTLY INSTALLED EXTENSION CORDS |
|
used to extend the home wiring system for a long period, instead of being used temporarily to connect some appliance with a cord too short to reach the wall outlet |
|
| LOOSE PLUGS |
|
attachment plugs that wobble or pull out of a wall outlet easily |
|
| DAMAGED INSULATION |
|
cut, broken, or cracked insulation |
If your last inspection was
-
40 or more years ago, inspection is overdue
-
10-40 years ago, inspection is advisable, especially if substantial electrical loads (high-wattage appliances, lights and wall outlets or extension cords) have been added or if some of the warning signs discussed are present.
-
Less than 10 years ago, inspection may not be needed, unless some of the warning signs, described are present or temporary wiring has been added.
You may live in an area that is not served by state or local electrical inspectors, so that no inspection record will be found on your electrical panel. In that case, use the age of the house as a guide to the probable need for an inspection.
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
