ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The wiring in your new home has been designed and installed to meet local and national codes and safety standards, and is divided into circuits to carry ordinarily anticipated loads. It is a good idea to learn the extent of each of your circuits, so that you will not over-load anyone of them. Avoid the bad practice of plugging in too many branches into one receptacle.
Circuit breakers are used in your home, and are located in the electrical box. A circuit breaker acts just like a fuse, but it does not have to be replaced, just reset. It looks like a light switch and all the circuit breaker switches should point toward the center of the box. If one is not in this position, snap it all the way toward the outside of the box and then back to the center.
A circuit breaker seldom "cuts out" unless something in the circuit is faulty. Be sure you determine the cause for failure, and make the necessary correction. Ground fault interrupter (GFI) circuit breakers are provided, for your protection, in areas where you might come into contact with water. Do not connect freezers to the GFI circuit in the garage. The breakers could trip and the contents of the freezer could defrost.
Most electrical problems are caused by faulty condition of lamp or appliance cords, extension cords and plugs. Replace at first sign of wear and/or damage. Be cautious of small household appliances. If you experience a slight tingling shock from handling or touching any household appliance, disconnect the appliance and repair.
In the bedrooms and living room, one or more of the electrical outlets may be controlled by the wall switch. Generally, only the top portion of the outlet is controlled by the switch; the bottom portion always remains "on." If an outlet does not appear to work, try the switch.
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