Home Our History Contact Us Links Projects
Incandescent lamps that burn out prematurely may be subject to vibration. Vibration caused by doors slamming and sudden pounding on floors will burn out lamps very quickly. Also, when purchasing new lamps consider buying 130 volt lamps (not 120 volt) available at electrical supply stores for extended service. Today 120 volt lamps are now subject to higher voltage supplied by the power companies. Nominal voltage can be 130 volts or more.
A very slight dimming of lights for brief moment such as a refrigerator or other appliance starting may be normal. Dimming may be caused by the circuit for the lights are also sharing the load of the appliance. Dimming to a larger degree may be indicative of a loose connection somewhere in the system. A loose connection maybe spotted a non-coincidental dimming and flickering of lights. If this is the case there is a problem which should be checked out with out delay.
In a perfect world exercising a main breaker by turning it off then turning it on would not be a problem. However, this is not a perfect world electrical parts are subject to heat, moisture, wear and abuse. It is possible that simply turning off the breaker and turning it back on it just might fail to reset. If this is the case replacement is the only option. Some older equipment may be difficult to locate and expensive to replace. Keep this in mind when ever turning off a main breaker.
If you live in a condo, mobile home or a newer house the answer is definitely four wire. If you live in an older house the answer might be three wire for a preexisting circuit only. If a new circuit is installed it should be a four wire circuit.
The National Electrical Code is the general rule book that explains electrical installations and materials in minimum standards written every three years and published by the National Fire Protection Association, it is adopted by the State of Vermont with certain exceptions, these exceptions are listed in the Vermont Electrical Safety Rules. See our link section for Department of Public Safety which has jurisdiction on electrical issues.
The GFCI is a device that can be in a form of a circuit breaker in your panel or a receptacle outlet on your wall. Its primary function is to protect someone from a fatal electrocution. When a GFCI is tripped it is reset by resetting the breaker or pushing in the reset button on the receptacle type. If the device does not reset then there could be a fault present, troubleshooting will be necessary to clear the problem. There are specific locations where GFCI is required to be installed for example: all kitchen and bathroom receptacle outlets. Do not confuse GFCI with AFCI. See: What is a Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter ?
In the case of plug strips it is important to read the label, not all plug strips are surge suppressors. If on the strip it has the word "temporary" do not use it. A temporary power tap is nothing more than an extension cord. I have personally seen several of these "temporary" devices fail and could have started a major fire. For computers use an Uninterruptible Power Supply, for other electronics use a good listed surge suppressor.
The AFCI is a relatively new device that is design to detect faults in a circuit such as loose connection or splice that will create an arc and abnormal heating condition which may cause a fire. For Example: a table lamp loose plug might be heating to a point that a fire may start. The AFCI circuit breaker is design to detect this condition before it gets out of hand. AFCI breakers are now required for all new branch circuits that serve receptacle outlets in the main living quarters in a dwelling. Do not confuse the AFCI with a GFCI a GFCI is design to save a life by preventing electrocution.
Insurance companies today will not cover homes with the glass Edison type fuses. These fuses are no long acceptable for new circuits because they do not support AFCI and GFCI protection. Also, the size of the fuses can be unwisely increased or circumvented beyond the capacity of the conductors to safely carry the current; remember the proverbial penny behind the fuse? Almost all old main fuse boxes I have seen are now overfilled beyond there designed capacity creating an un-safe condition. Most service entrances on houses with Edison fuses are still only sixty amperes, way too small for today's life style.
