- How do I properly reset a GFCI receptacle or breaker?
- Where can I find my GFCI Receptacle?
- Why do my lights dim and then brighten?
- What is an AFCI Receptacle or breaker?
- What should I do?
- What do I need to do when upgrading my service?
- When is it necessary to contact an Electrician?
How do I properly reset a GFCI receptacle ?
Press the “Test” button first to make sure that the receptacle has tripped all the way. Then you will press in the “Reset” button. You may need to use the tip of a plastic pen to press in the buttons. If nothing occurs, you may have a faulty GFCI or a damaged circuit that will require a repair.
How do I properly reset a breaker ?
You will need to turn the breaker all the to the “off” position before trying to turn the breaker to the “on” position. Some breakers do not look like they are “tripped” or “off”. In this case, you will need to lightly wiggle the toggle switch on each breaker. If you find a breaker that is weak or loose feeling, turn the breaker off and then back on. If when, you turn the breaker “on” it trips again or you see an arc, call a professional immediately as this may be a serious fire hazard. DO NOT TRY TO REPLACE THE BREAKER!!
Where can I find my GFCI Receptacle?
Your GFCI receptacle can be in several locations. The first, is going to be your bathroom(s), check this area if you are experiencing an outage in the bathrooms or outside. The second, your kitchen within six feet of your sink. This receptacle may control your kitchen counter receptacles on both sides of the sink. And last will be outside, if you have receptacles outside, one of these might be a GFCI, this could also control the bathroom receptacles. There could also be a GFCI Breaker. Please refer to “resetting a GFCI receptacle”.
Why do my lights dim and then brighten?
A bad breaker or damaged neutral wire can cause your lights to go dim and then brighten again. If this is occurring, it is important that you schedule an appointment today.
What is an AFCI Receptacle or breaker?
AFCI outlets are designed to recognize many types of potentially hazardous arc-faults and respond by interrupting power, reducing the likelihood of the home’s electrical system being an ignition source of a fire. Often unseen, arc-faults can occur anywhere in the home’s electrical system including within walls, at loose electrical connections or within electrical cords accidently damaged by impinging furniture. They look like GFCI receptacles and breakers, and reset the same way.
What should I do?
If you are unsure about any electrical problem that is occurring, contact our friendly and knowledgeable staff to assist you with your needs.
What do I need to do when upgrading my service?
Nothing but contact us. Once we receive your request for a service upgrade estimate, we will have a look at the job. We will then, issue an estimate and/or contract for services if our estimate is accepted. We will then coordinate and schedule the work with BC Hydro. Once we have a scheduled date, our office will contact you to give you notice of the repair date, along with what you can expect to happen that day.
When is it necessary to contact an Electrician?
Any time you have an electrical problem or a question.