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Does your home need to be repaired or renovated? Think SAFETY FIRST. * Hire a professional electrician to make any improvements or additions to the electrical system. Even tasks that appear simple, such as the installation of a baseboard heater or additional electrical outlets, can be more difficult than they appear. * If your are constantly blowing fuses or popping circuit breakers, it is time for you to contact your electrician. These are signs of electrical problems that could cause a fire. Do not take risks. During your renovations, remember that you can avoid risks by scrupulously respecting the following tips offered by Hydro-Québec: * Do you need to hammer nails or cut an opening in a wall? Shut down the electric circuits that serve the room where you are working. * Before repairing an electric device, disconnect it! * The circuits of your power distribution panel should be clearly marked to show the rooms and items serviced by each circuit. * Do you need to work in rooms containing water - like the kitchen or bathroom? Because water is an excellent conductor of electricity, you should take the required precautions: o ensure that all surfaces are clean and dry o ensure that your feet are dry o connect your electric tool to an outlet equipped with a differential circuit breaker o ensure that electric cords and extension cords do not make contact with any pool of water. * Do you need to replace a fuse? Before replacing a blown fuse, be sure that you have a replacement fuse of the same rating, place the master switch in the OFF position, and, before restoring current, reduce the load by disconnecting a few electrical devices. If a circuit breaker pops, this same technique must be used, and the short circuit must be found. ELECTRICITY - BETTER SAFE THAN SORRY Today's life is chock full of a multitude of small repetitive acts, most of them completely ordinary, where electricity plays a lead role. Now, although "electricity" is not a synonym for "danger", it can nevertheless bring about accidents of many kinds, from insignificant to life threatening. By following Hydro-Québec's tips for household security, you will be able to avoid accidents and truly enjoy a power source that will give you both comfort and well-being. Household Security: Remember... * Keep your eyes open at all times. In your home, there are many sources of danger, and the possibilities of an accident wherein electricity is a causal factor are numerous. Rooms where water is present - bathrooms, kitchens - require greater vigilance because the presence of water increases the risk of electric shocks. Be careful when using electrical equipment in these rooms: dry your hands as well as possible, and do not allow any electrical appliance or tool to make contact with water. * Do not use any electrical apparatus whatsoever - hair dryer, razor, etc. - in the bathroom if the electric outlet is not equipped with a protection system (differential circuit breaker). * Always unplug electric cooking devices (electric frying pans, casseroles, etc.) before cleaning them. * Always disconnect the humidifier, steam iron, and coffee machine before filling them with water. Overloaded circuits cause headaches! * Do you use several electrical devices? Use several different electrical outlets. * Do you have unused electrical devices? Unplug them. * Do you need additional outlets? Use a power bar equipped with a surge protector. * Is your device already plugged in? Use extra caution. * Did a slice of bread get caught in the toaster? Disconnect the toaster BEFORE removing the bread. * Does a light bulb need to be changed? Unplug the lamp BEFORE removing the old bulb.
Article Source: http://www.urarticles.com
Home Renovation
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