1 Look for faulty cartridge fuses
2Check circuit breakers
Identify recurrent fault
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HOUSEHOLD EMERGENCIES
ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT FAILURE
1 Look for faulty cartridge fuses
• When power fails in one part of the house, turn off the affected appliances and lights right away and then go to the service / fuse box.
• If the service has cartridge fuses, turn off the fuse box toggle switch and open its cover.
• You will need to determine which fuse has blown using a continuity tester. Remove each fuse, touch one end with the alligator clip of the tester, and the other with the probe. If the bulb of the tester does not light, the fuse is blown.
• Replace the blown fuse( s) with one of the same amperage.
2Check circuit breakers
• Most modern homes are now equipped with circuit breaker switches instead of less consumerfriendly ceramic, cartridge, or rewirable fuses. Many local codes require them because they are not as prone to consumer error in replacement.
• Most circuit breakers have a key identifying the rooms affected by each switch.
• If your unit has miniature circuit breakers( MCBs), look for one in the“ off” position and simply flick it back on, or push the reset button.
Replace the faulty cartridge fuse
Push the switch back to the
“ on” position
! Replacing fuse wire
• Rarely, some homes will have fuses with replaceable wires. These must
be replaced with wires rated with the same gauge as the melted one! Call an electrician to check the service and to replace fuse wires.
• Never use any conductor( wire, strip, coin, or foil) as a substitute for a fuse
or fuse wire.
3
Identify recurrent fault
• If the MCB switch will not stay in the“ on” position, or the fuse blows again when you turn the power back on, try to identify the fault.
• Check to see whether any light bulbs have blown, then switch off all appliances on that circuit and switch them back on one at a time.
• If you cannot find the cause of the problem, call an electrician.