I’m a big believer in new electrical services, but that doesn’t mean you can ignore them completely, especially if they’re tied into older, existing wiring. Breakers should trip if a circuit is overloaded, and GFCIs should shut down in the event of a ground fault, but there’s always the chance you have a piece of defective equipment. Unlikely? Sure, but it’s certainly possible.
Test your GFCIs monthly and pay attention to outlet and switch cover plates that seem too warm to the touch. If you ever smell anything burning around a receptacle, and it isn’t an individual appliance or load, shut down the circuit immediately and call an electrician. It’s worth the price of a service call for your peace of mind. For more information about electrical safety, contact one of the following agencies for printed material:
National Electrical Safety Foundation
1300 North 17th St., Suite 1847
Rosslyn, VA 22209
Phone: 703-841-3211
Fax: 703-841-3311
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