Electrical Troubleshooting
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Refer to the following checklist BEFORE reporting electrical problems:
1. If receptacles won’t work, check to be certain the circuit breaker has not been tripped. If so, reset it. If not, make sure the receptacle is not controlled by a wall switch which is in the OFF position.
2. If individual ceiling lights or lamps do not come on, check the bulb in another fixture. If the bulb is good, check the circuit breaker to see if it is tripped and reset if necessary. Also, check for wall switches that may be turned off.
3. If your disposal or dishwasher won’t operate; first, for the disposal, push the reset button located on the disposal. Second, if your appliances are designed to be plugged in (some are directly wired), check to be sure both appliances are plugged into the proper receptacle. The duplex receptacle under your sink is especially wired with one outlet for the dishwasher and one for the disposal (connected to a wall switch). Also check the circuit breaker.
4. If an electric water heater won’t function, check the circuit breaker. If that’s no help, turn the power off and push the reset button located under the water heater access cover.
5.If your oven won’t heat, refer to the manufacturer’s manual to be certain you are properly operating the time controls. Sometimes this can be tricky. Also check the circuit breaker.
6. If the bath or utility exhaust fan won’t run and makes no noise (hum) or movement the problem is normally electrical. If there is any movement or humming noise, the problem normally is in the fan unit.
7. If an outlet sparks when plugged into, be certain the appliance is off before plugging in. If it still sparks, try another outlet. If you get sparks from a second outlet the problem is normally in the appliance cord. If you do not get sparks, have the receptacle inspected. Also, sparks from wall switches should be checked by an electrician.
8. If a wall switch or receptacle is hot to the touch, you should immediately trip the circuit breaker serving that fixture and contact an electrician. (See “Electrical Receptacles” and “Electric Service Entrance.”)
