Kolter Homeowner Guide

GFCIs & AFCIs These are special types of circuit breakers that protect against electrocution, fire, and shock. GFCIs Ground fault circuit interrupters can be found at the electrical panel box or outlets and are located in areas that may get wet (bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and outside). These breakers detect even tiny unwanted electrical flows and trip immediately, which cuts the circuit’s power. That protects the person using the circuit from getting electrocuted or shocked. Determine which outlets and breakers are GFCIs by looking at them. At the outlets, they have one button that reads TEST, another that reads RESET. At the electrical panel, the breaker will have a button marked TEST. AFCIs Depending on where you live, arc fault circuit interrupters may be required in addition to GFCIs. Arc fault circuit interrupters are installed on circuits that provide power to bedrooms; they’re designed to protect the system from fire. Arcing occurs for a variety of reasons including loose connections, pinched cords, or cables that contact vibrating machinery. AFCIs detect such arcing — whether in a circuit, extension cord, or appliance — and trip immediately to cut power to the circuit. Care and maintenance The following are tips for maintaining your GFCIs and AFCIs.

Problem: bath or utility exhaust fan won’t work Listen for a humming noise. If there isn’t one, the problem likely is electrical. Call an electrician. If the fan makes a humming noise, or otherwise responds when you flip the wall switch, the problem likely lies with the unit itself. Call the manufacturer. Problem: an outlet sparks when an appliance is plugged in Turn off the appliance, and then plug it in. If there still is a spark, turn it off again and try another outlet. If it still sparks, the appliance cord likely is the cause of the sparks. Problem: outlet or switch is hot to the touch Switch to OFF the circuit breaker that controls that outlet or switch. Call an electrician.

HOME TIP: Call an electrician if wall switches or outlets create sparks.

Also, see Circuit Breakers, page 13.

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