TEST YOUR CIRCUIT BREAKERS
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Testing your circuit breakers is a pain. The test is easy enough, but then you have to reset all your clocks, timers, and VCRs. We are quickly approaching the time of year when you have to change your clocks anyway. Kill two birds with one stone. |
| WHAT ? |
Test all circuit breakers in your electrical panel. |
| WHEN ? |
Twice a year when we move to and from daylight saving time. |
| WHY ? |
Circuit breakers are mechanical devices that can seize. By testing them, you ensure that the switch mechanism is free to operate in an emergency.
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| HOW ? |
One at time, grab the little switch on each breaker and simply flick it to the "off" position. Then, move it back to the "on" position. They should move freely and reset easily. If they don't, have them replaced. |
| TIPS |
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If you come across any breakers with "test" buttons, use the "test" button instead of flipping the switch. (These are special ground fault interrupters. More on these in other e-mails.) |
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Some breakers may be physically attached to the adjacent breaker. If one of the two breakers trips, it trips both. These are for heavy-duty appliances (240-volt appliances like stoves and clothes dryers) or for "split receptacles" in your kitchen. Split receptacles are special -- the top half is protected by one breaker and the bottom half by another. This allows you to plug in two big electricity users simultaneously (a toaster and a kettle, for example) without causing an overload. |
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Don't forget to reset clocks and VCRs. | | |
This entry was posted on October 24th, 2006
| Posted in Manage Your Home