According to www.ehow.com, Although over currents, in the form of overloads, short circuits or ground faults, are all potentially dangerous, every home is protected by the fuses or circuit breakers.
A short circuit occurs, when two current-carrying wires contact each other metal to metal. It also could happen when an exposed hot wire touches a neutral wire or a grounded metal box. Both cause the circuit to heat up suddenly. The fuse or breaker will shut off the power immediately.
Because all over currents cause heat, they should be attended to immediately. You do not want a damaged circuit, a fire to start, or someone to be electrocuted.
To make sure you have a short circuit, and not a different type of over current, go to the fuse box. If you have a short circuit, the fuse will have a blackened or discolored mica window.
A fuse tripped by another over current will be clear, but there will be a break in the metal strip. You can also tell it is a short circuit if the circuit fails repeatedly. If the circuit has an overload, and you put the fuse back in place, it will likely not trip again. But, if the fuse keeps tripping, then it’s a short circuit.
To correct the problem, you need to find where the short circuit is. Start by unplugging all electrical appliances. Check for damages in their cords. If the short occurs when you plug this appliance in, and the cord is damaged, replace the cord immediately. It is the cause of the short circuit. If you cannot find the short circuit, you need to call an electrician.
If faulty wiring is in the walls and attic of your home, they need to be repaired immediately. An electrician should be able to make repairs and restore power in your home, but do not expect it to be inexpensive.
Safe wiring
According to www.doityourself.com, safety glasses or goggles should be worn whenever power tools are used, especially if you wear contact lenses.
lMake sure the power is off at the breaker box before doing any electrical work.
lAlways work in a dean, dry area free from anything wet.
lWires should only be connected at accessible junction boxes. Never splice wires together and conceal them within a wall without a junction box. lNever attempt to strip wires with a knife. Aside from endangering your fingers, you will nick the wire metal, which will create an electrical hazard.
lground fault circuit interrupter outlets should be used under damp conditions (basements, bathrooms, outdoors, etc.), as required by the National Electric Code.
lDon’t create fire hazards by overloading an outlet or an extension cord.
lAvoid electrical shock by mapping and marking your switch and outlet boxes. Put the map on the door of the main power service panel.
Leave a warning message that you are working on the circuit at the service panel, and tape the circuit breaker in the off position. With a fuse box, take the fuse out
Never change the size of a fuse or breaker in a circuit.
Be certain your connector is CO/ALR rated when you splice aluminum wire. If it is marked CU/ALR, use only copper wire. Do not use aluminum wire with push terminals; use only copper or copper-dad aluminum wire.
Always correct the problem that caused a fuse or circuit breaker to blow before replacing the fuse or circuit breaker.
Replace wiring that shows signs of fraying or deterioration.
Avoid breaking your knuckles by bracing the powerful right-angle drill so that it cannot spin around if it gets stuck while drilling.
Before working with wires or electrical connections, check them with a voltage tester to be sure they are dead.
Plumbing and gas pipes are often used to ground electrical systems. Never touch them while working with electricity.
Don’t use metal ladders with overhead electricity.
Use the proper protection, take precautions, and plan ahead. Never by-pass safety to save money or to rush a project.
Houses for sale in Uganda
No comments:
Post a Comment