| Residential electrical systems may not contain | | | | legend as to which pattern of lights is correct and |
| some of the complexities of commercial or | | | | which is not. I also recommend gently shaking the |
| industrial control systems, but the risk associated | | | | plug tester while it is plugged in to check for loose |
| with failures may be even higher and recognizing | | | | connections. Loose connections on a receptacle |
| faults and potential dangers can be a daunting | | | | can result in unnecessary heat build up and fire. |
| task for the average homeowner. Knowing how | | | | Do not plug more appliances into an outlet then it |
| to recognize a possible hazard before it occurs | | | | can handle, put your hand near it, if its warm to |
| can be as easy as following a few key steps if | | | | the touch, its too hot, use a surge strip. Devices |
| you know what where how and when to look. | | | | and appliances that have large transformers on |
| A visual inspection should be performed annually, | | | | the plug should not be plugged in near curtains. If |
| and followed by a licensed electrician if anything | | | | you have the type of air freshener that plugs in |
| seems questionable. One of the first things to | | | | and releases a timed fragrance throw it away |
| look for would be dimming lights. This could be a | | | | (please). I have personally seen them cause more |
| sign of a loose or weak neutral, often occurring | | | | then 1 fire. Don't plug in more then one |
| the same time a refrigerator , ac system, or | | | | transformer to a single electrical outlet. Put the |
| other large load comes on. A visual electrical | | | | curling iron away, even turned off sitting next to |
| evaluation should also include removing the cover | | | | the sink there are risk. Use the appropriate sized |
| from the service panel and looking for traces of | | | | cords, generally speaking extension cords are for |
| arcs or burn marks, without putting your hands or | | | | temporary 1 time usage, and not designed for |
| other tools inside and always turning the power | | | | prolonged use. Finally have your home checked |
| off first. Testing individual outlets and gfci | | | | out every few year by a trained technician. |
| receptacles requires a plug tester, available at any | | | | Electrical safety in the home is as easy as being |
| hardware store for about $5. Typically a plug | | | | aware and conscience, if your not sure, ask, and |
| tester will have three small lights on it and a | | | | change those batteries in your smoke detector. |