Home Emergency Book Vol 1 | Page 193

196
HOUSEHOLD EMERGENCIES

Electrical problems

We all take electricity for granted – flick a switch and a light comes on, plug in the television and it works – but fuses can blow, electrical equipment can malfunction, and wiring can become damaged or overheated, posing a potential fire hazard. By equipping yourself with some basic electrical knowledge, you will be able to rectify common problems quickly when they occur.
ACTION PLAN
START
Has one electrical appliance or several failed?
ACTION
CHECK THE CIRCUIT BREAKER BOX FOR A BLOWN FUSE OR“ OFF” CIRCUIT( p. 198)
ACTION
TURN ON MAIN SWITCHES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS
Several
One
Have you checked both the plug and fuse( p. 197)?
Are lights or appliances in only one area affected?
Yes
No
Are the main switches and circuit breakers switched on?
No
Yes
Yes
No
ACTION
Have you lost electricity throughout the house?
Do your neighbors have power?
Yes
PLUG A WORKING APPLIANCE INTO THE OUTLET. IF APPLIANCE FAILS, REPLACE THE
OUTLET( p. 199)
Yes
No
No
ACTION
ACTION
REPLACE FUSE OR REWIRE PLUG IF
NECESSARY( p. 197)
ACTION
CALL AN ELECTRICIAN
THERE IS PROBABLY A LOCAL POWER FAILURE. REPORT PROBLEMS TO YOUR ELECTRICITY SUPPLIER