Circuits and Wiring
Branch Circuits
Never overload branch circuits by operating more appliances than the circuits were designed to handle. Remember: several outlets are usually connected to one branch circuit!
Fuses/Breakers
Use correct size fuses and breakers for circuits. Size refers to a circuit's amperage rating. If you don't know the rating, have a qualified electrician identify and label the sizes to be used.
Loads
This chart will give you an idea of how much of a load common appliances produce on household circuits.
Trips
Disconnect immediately if an appliance blows a fuse, trips a breaker or emits sparks or sizzling sounds. Discard the appliance or have it repaired.
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs)
What are they?
GFCIs work by detecting slight variations in current. If a short occurs, a GFCI will trip in a fraction of a second. There are three types of GFCIs:
- Circuit breaker-type GFCIs installed by qualified electricians go directly into an electrical panel to replace ordinary circuit breakers.
- Receptacle-type GFCIs installed by qualified electricians resemble ordinary electrical outlets and can be tested and reset at the outlet.
- Portable GFCIs can be plugged directly into any receptacle and do not require special knowledge to install.
Where to Use?
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters should be installed where water is present (such as in bathrooms and kitchens), or where easy contact with the ground can be made. However, even with GFCIs, you must still exercise extreme caution around water.
Test
Never modify or bypass a GFCI. Test GFCIs periodically to see that they are working properly. Do this by pressing the red "Test" button on each GFCI.
Safety Tip!
Electricity and water don’t mix. Keep anything electrically powered away from water and keep appliances away from sinks. Most accidents around the house happen when people use electricity near water.