When the power is out unplug or turn off all electric appliances to avoid overloading circuits and causing fire hazards when power is restored.
Leave a single lamp on to alert you when power returns.
Turn your appliances back on one at a time when conditions return to normal.
If you have a standby generator, make sure that it's installed safely and inform your electric utility company to avoid risking damage to your property and endangering electrical power line workers who may be working on nearby power lines.
Avoid the risk of fire by not using candles.
If you must use candles, keep them away from drapes, lampshades and small children.
Do not leave candles unattended.
Preparing for Power Outages
Have battery-operated flashlights and radios with fresh batteries ready. Listen for updates on storm conditions and power outages.
If you have a telephone system that requires electricity to work (such as a cordless phone or answering machine), plan for alternate communication - have a standard telephone handset, cellular telephone or pager ready as a back up.
Freeze plastic containers filled with water to make blocks of ice that can be placed in your refrigerator/freezer during an outage to prevent foods from spoiling.
How can you be ready?
The Potential Dangers of Home Generator Systems
If you have a portable home generator or any other generator unit and you do not use a transfer switch, please read this article. [click here]
Be sure to get your copy of my BIG Book: Perfect for Homeowners, Students and Electricians Includes:
Home Electrical Wiring - Room by Room
120 Volt Circuits
240 Volt Circuits
Multi-Wired Circuits
Wiring Methods for Installing Home Electrical Circuit Wiring
Electrical Codes for Home Electrical Wiring
....and much more.
Electrical Project Skill Level:
The skill level for home electrical wiring must be identified for each specific project which will require training and experience. Electrical Repairs and Circuit Wiring is Best Performed by a Licensed Electrical Contractor.
Electrical Tools Required:
Basic Electricians Pouch of Hand Tools, a Voltage Tester and a Multi Meter.
Personal Safety:
Home projects and electrical construction of all types and sized require taking all safety precautions for personal protection with regard to environmental hazards including hazardous materials and tool safety. Read and understand all materials and instructions related to the project materials, tools and other components before proceeding.
Estimated Time:
Depends on the specific project, persons level of experience, ability to work with tools and electrical circuit wiring, and the available access to the project area. Electrical Safety:
Identify the electrical circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring.
Electrical Wiring Parts and Materials:
Electrical parts and materials for home wiring projects should be approved for the specific project and compliant with local and national electrical codes.
Electrical Codes and Inspections:
Modifying existing electrical circuits or installing additional electrical wiring should be done according to local and national electrical codes with a permit and be inspected.
This is a testing tool that is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use.
This is great to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring, is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring.
It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets
Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency
Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included
Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect, Very handy and easy to use.
A wire stripping tool used to safely strip electrical wires.
This handy tool has multiple uses:
The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation.
The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets.
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