What To Do If…

 

Sometimes our electrical system acts in ways we don’t expect. Read up on what to do in certain situations so you aren’t left in the dark!

What To Do If... a GFCI Trips the Circuit.

If your GFCI has cut off power to whatever appliance you are using, it is because the current began leaking instead of all being directed back to the source. One of the most common causes is that the appliance has come into contact with moisture. If your GFCI trips:

• Turn off and unplug the appliance. (It’s easy to forget to actually turn it off since the power has already been cut off, but if you don’t then you’re in for a surprise when you plug it back in!)
• Check it for moisture. If you find any, dry it off thoroughly.
• Make sure your hands are dry.
• Plug the appliance back in.
• Press the “reset” button on the GFCI.
• Turn the appliance back on.

If the outlet still does not work or continues to trip frequently, call an electrician as there may be a greater problem than just moisture.

What To Do If… Your Electricity Goes Out.

You’re sitting there minding your own business and the next thing you know, it’s pitch black and your music has stopped, the microwave doesn’t show the time, and the sorrowful howl of a wolf echoes on the wind as scraggly branches scrape your window like long fingers. Maybe.

First things first- assess your situation. Did ALL of your power go out, or just a portion of the house? What is the weather like? Have you got practically-apocalyptic thunderstorms, or is it bright and sunny?

Next, get thee to the electrical panel. Check all of the breakers including the main breaker: are any of them tripped? If so, switch them back to “on” and see if that solves your problem. If not….

Check to see if anyone else in your area has experienced a power outage, and call your electricity provider’s emergency number.

In a situation like this you will discover very quickly whether you are prepared. Have you got emergency candles, matches, blankets, and a battery-powered radio in an easy-to-reach place?

What To Do If… Someone Experiences an Electrical Shock.

As you may know, there are different severities of electrical shock. Some do little more than raise the hair on your arms and make a loud “POP”. Others leave a nasty burn. Others still leave no evidence at all, but that doesn’t mean they are not dangerous.

The first thing to do is to make sure that the individual is no longer in contact with the source of the shock. Whether it was an outlet, an appliance, or a conductor, make sure that the victim is no longer touching it.

In the event of a severe burn during which the muscles seize and the victim can’t let go, the first thing you should do is try and turn the power off at the breaker.

• DO NOT touch the source of the shock, even if that’s where the power switch is.
• Turn off the main breaker if you have to. If this is not possible, use something dry and non-conductive (like a dry wooden broomstick) to push the person away from the source.
• Call 911.

After a less-severe shock (that the victim was able to let go of by his/herself), have the victim sit down and assess the damage.

• Are there any burns or marks at the shock location?
• Does the victim feel lightheaded, dizzy, or have vague pain anywhere in his/her body? It is possible for internal organs to be damaged from a shock even if you can’t see any outward signs.
• If anything seems “off”, such as tingling, numbness, paralysis, vision/speech/hearing problems, or any period of unconsciousness, seek medical attention regardless of how the person says he/she feels.

Share your $0.02! Have you ever encountered a dangerous electrical situation? How did you solve it? What would you do differently? Would you like to see answers to more electrical problems?