Electrical system

General :

Many advanced electrical features are included in your home and rarely will you have problems with them; a reliable electrical system is usually taken for granted. When electrical outiets fail to work it usually means that a fuse has blown or a circuit breaker has tripped. This is frequently due to overloading a particular circuit; short circuits from worn appliance cords, defective plug connections, or the "start-up load" of some electric motors (motors require more current to start than to maintain operation).

Before calling an electrician, check your fuse or circuit breaker panel. We recommend you locate this panel and identify all circuits in writing on the panel soon after moving in and before an emergency occurs.

If your stove does not operate, the fuses in the stove (look for their location in the manufacturer's manual) should be checked as well as the main circuit breaker or fuse panel.

If fuses for the same circuit fail repeatedly, regard this as a warning for you to locate the cause. If it is the result of a short circuit, as opposed to appliance overload, repairs should be made by an electrician. Many tires occur each year from misuse of electrical equipment. Avoid alterations to your wiring by amateurs - contact an electrician or recognized appliance service agent.

Do not use bulbs larger than 60 watts in any fixture where the bulb is enclosed. The manufacturer's recommended limitations on bulb size are marked on all fixtures. Rooms without ceiling fixtures usually have a wall receptacle for plugging in a lamp that can be switched on or off by a switch located near the room entrance, as would be the case of a ceiling fixture.

Do not handle cords or fuses or attempt to plug in appliances when your hands are wet or if you are standing on a wet surface. Never touch anything electrical when you are in a tub or shower.

Appliances :

Before you move in, the builder checks that all appliances included with the house are in working order. Electrical appliances come with instruction books and/or warranty papers. Examine these carefully, and observe the operating procedures recommended by the manufacturer. File with the manufacturers any warranty cards provided with the equipment and do not hesitate to contact their local service agents should you have any difficulties or questions about the equipment.

Range hoods and exhaust fans :

For efficient range hood operation, the grease filter must be cleaned frequently. Potential tire hazards are created by grease accumulation on filters. Filters should be washed periodically in a mild detergent solution, and dried thoroughly.

Fan motors must be cleaned and oiled according to the manufacturer's servicing instructions. Replacement of charcoal filters should also be in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations. Many of the exhaust fans for the uses mentioned have sealed systems and do not require lubrication.