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What
is a GFCI Device or Breaker?
GFCI
stands for Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter.
In
layman's terms this device protects you from
electrical shock. When it senses the slightest
increase in resistance resulting from ground fault,
(i.e., the use of electrical devices in or near
water), it trips off to protect you.
What
are the Red and Black Buttons on my GFCI Outlet?
The
black button is a
test button and when pressed, should deactivate the
outlet and any other outlet fed from it - Indicating
a properly functioning device.
The
red button is
the re-set button that you depress to reactivate the
outlet or outlets in the event of deactivation
resulting from a fault.
What
is the Difference Between a Breaker Panel and My Old
Fuse Panel?
Both
devices, either breaker or fuse, are designed to
trip (turn off) in the event of an electrical
overload, i.e. 20Amps of electrical load on a 15Amp
circuit would cause a trip. The only difference is
that a breaker is mechanical and may be reset.
Whereas, a fuse is one time only and must be
replaced.
Please Note: Modern breakers are much more
efficient and offer greater levels of protection.
How
do I Reset My Breaker When it Has Tripped Off?
First,
disconnect any additional devices that may have
caused the breaker to overload and trip. Breakers
are mechanical devices and must be turned all the
way off before turning back on. Remember this is a
mechanical device, so this may require several
attempts. If this fails to reset the breaker, there
may be a more serious problem. Contact a licensed
electrician.
What
Does it Mean When My Fluorescent Lights are
Flickering or Cycling on and off?
Flickering may indicate impending bulb failure,
minor power fluctuation, and/or improperly installed
bulbs. Cycling on and off is usually a clear
indication of ballast and/or bulb failure. It is
recommended when replacing a ballast to replace
bulbs as well.
Can I
Hang a Ceiling Fan Where a Light is?
Yes, but
first you must make sure the electrical box is
properly braced and rated for the weight and torque
of the ceiling fan you are installing.
Can I
Dim Fluorescent Lights?
Yes.
Dimming fluorescent requires not only a special
dimmer, but also special fixtures. You
cannot place
a typical incandescent dimmer on existing
fluorescent.
I
Have a New Home. Why Does My Refrigerator or
Freezer, Located in My Garage,
Keep Going Off?
Unless
you made provisions with the builder for a dedicated
circuit, the outlets in your garage are GFCI
Protected per National Electrical Code. This device
will not tolerate the additional resistance load
created by refrigeration equipment. The GFCI senses
there is a fault, and therefore trips off. The only
cure to this problem is to provide a dedicated, non
GFCI circuit allowable by code.
Can I
Plug My Coffee Pot and Toaster Oven into the Same
Kitchen Counter Outlet?
Yes.
Though, if the two loads exceed 20amps, your breaker
will sense overload, do its job, and trip off. Under
this condition, you must plug one of the appliances
into a different kitchen outlet on a
different circuit,
in order to balance the load.
Can I
Plug any 110Volt Device I Wish into My Regular 110
Volt Outlets
Throughout My House?
Yes.
Though, if the device exceeds the capacity of the
circuit, the breaker will trip off.
When
My Air Conditioner Cycles on, I Notice My Lights
Blink. Is This Normal?
Yes.
This is a common occurrence when large
motor/compressor loads start. These devices cause a
minor momentary voltage drop, demonstrating itself
as the blinking in your lights. This has no negative
effect on the electrical equipment within your
house.
I
Have a 110 Volt Outlet on the Exterior of My Home.
Can I Plug my Christmas
Lights into It?
Yes.
Within reason… if the quantity of lights creates a
load greater than the capacity of the circuit
breaker, the breaker will trip off. In this event,
additional circuits may be required to accommodate
your holiday display.
Why
do the Bulbs in My Exterior Fixture Burn Out so
Often?
This is
usually caused by several factors.
1.
Use of non brand named bulbs.
2. Larger wattage bulbs which cause excessive
heat build-up shorting the life of the bulb.
3. Power Surges.
Helpful
hints in the solution to this problem should be to
use only brand named bulbs and try to buy 130Volt
rated bulbs instead of the normal 120Volt rated
bulbs. This should significantly extend the life.
My
Smoke Detector Keeps Chirping. What Does this Mean?
This
could mean one of two things:
1.
An Intermittent Chirp is probably an indication
of a defective smoke detector.
2. A consistent chirp is probably an
indication of a low battery condition and the smoke
detector requires a new battery.
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