SolveYourProblem:
Home Tips Article Series
Repairing
Electrical Problems:
5 Things To Do Beforehand
Many “do-it-yourself” (DIY) projects are trial
and error. You may still laugh at your first attempted faux
finish or the shelves that crashed to the floor five minutes
after you triumphantly tapped the last nail in.
Electrical projects do not fall in the trial-and-error category.
However, all homeowners do need to perform some basic electrical
repairs. Before attempting to fix electrical problems, follow
the steps below to ensure a safe and successful repair.
Do I have your permission?
Depending on where you live, you may or may not need a permit
from your local electrical authority to do electrical work
on your own home. According to the Oregon Department of Business
and Consumer Services (ODBCS), homeowners do not need a permit
“to replace electrical devices or to perform the maintenance
on an existing electrical installation.” However, the ODBCS
states that a permit is require to:
- install or alter any permanent wiring or electrical device
- run additional wiring, put in an electrical outlet or light
fixture, install a receptacle for a garage-door opener, or
convert from fuse box to circuit breakers
- install or alter low-voltage systems such as security alarms
or stereo or computer systems
The laws about permits vary from state to state, so be sure
to check with your local office about whether you are required
to have a permit or not.
Lights
out Turn
off electrical power at the source, through a circuit
breaker. Even if you flip a wall switch, the related appliance
or socket will still be live. Although many electrical distribution
panels have a diagram on them detailing which circuit is hooked
up to which breaker, do not trust them.
Check for yourself that the circuit is dead by using a voltage
tester. For this part of the process a helper can be quite
useful, to prevent you from scurrying to and from, from the
circuit breaker or fuse box to test the circuit and back again.
Tape the circuit breaker into the “off” position to ensure
that no helpful person tries to restore power while you’re
working. Do not restore power until you have completed your
work.
Although you can turn off a switch or breakers, the main wires
entering an electrical distribution panel from the outside
can not be turned off. Do not touch these wires, and do not
go near them with anything metal. If you believe the problem
lies with the service wires, contact the power company.
Getting
shocked puts a damper on things
Do not stand in water on a damp floor. This could result in
a very dangerous—even life-threatening—shock. If water is on
the floor, put down a rubber mat to stand on. Ensure you yourself
are not wet by wearing dry clothes. As always, if you have
any doubts about the safety of the situation, call a professional.
Metal or rubber?
Metal is bad. Rubber is good. Metal conducts electricity,
which means that if you simultaneously touch metal and a live
wire, your body conducts current from one to the other. Not
pleasant or healthy.
Rubber, on the other hand, is a nonconductive material and,
therefore, insulates you from electricity. Use tools with rubber-
or plastic-coated handles and wear rubber-soled shoes or sneakers.
Safety glasses and gloves are not a bad idea, either, when
feasible.
Test
it out
Once you have finished your repair work, flip the fuse or
circuit breaker to return power to the area. Use a voltage
tester to check and see if the appropriate amount of electricity
is flowing. Conventional lights, receptacles, and appliances
use 120 volts of electricity. Larger appliances such as air
conditioners and electric ovens require 240 volts. Certain
appliances—such as doorbells and telephones—utilize transformers
that convert standard power to a lower voltage (usually between
six and 12 volts) for safety.
To improve your electrical skills, many DIY stores offer clinics
and workshops. Learn from the pros and ask questions so you
feel more prepared the next time electrical work is needed.
If you have any doubt about your abilities or the safety of
the situation, leave it to the experts. Go work on repairing
your faux finish or build new shelves while you’re waiting
for your friendly local electrician to arrive. And when he
or she does come to the rescue, watch and learn. # # # # #
SolveYourProblem.com : 2007
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