Do It Yourself - First things first - SAFETY!
Whenever you do electrical work of ANY kind, TURN OFF THE POWER!
his may be at a breaker or fuse box. Just turning off the light switch is NOT GOOD ENOUGH!
If you're not sure where to turn the power off, then don't do any electrical work!
Second, this is a BASIC guide to electrical installations; it is NOT intended to replace a licensed professional. Most electrical projects requires a Permit. Most jurisdictions do not allow a Anaheim homeowner to permit his or her own electrical work.
For good reasons; Electricity can kill. It is a major cause of fires, and can shock or kill through electrocution. Improperly installed electrical wiring is not only illegal - it can be fatal.
How to Properly Reset Your Circuit Breaker
- Grasp the circuit breaker handle between your thumb and forefinger, and firmly push to the "off" position. You should hear or feel it "click". This is "reset."
- Now, keeping your figures on it, firmly push to the "On" position.
- You should have successfully reset your tripped breaker.
- If it trips again, there may be an un cleared fault or overload condition.
How to Install a Dimmer or Switch
- Turn off all power in the house.
- Turn off switch.
- Remove screws from switch cover.
- Remove old switch or dimmer.
- Install new switch with wire nuts.
- Install screws to attach switch or dimmer to switch box.
- Re-install cover plate with screws.
- Turn on house power.
- Turn on switch or dimmer.
How to Install a Light Fixture
Preparation
- Turn off all power in the house.
- Turn off the light switch.
- Remove old fixture: lamps (light bulbs), first; lens or glass shades, next.
- Remove the canopy nut if present.
- If not, remove the two screws holding the fixture to the fixture strap or outlet box.
- Remove the wire connectors (wire nuts).
Installation of the new light fixture
- Unpack and read all directions.
- Assemble the frame or base.
- Attach fixture strap, if available, to outlet box.
- Attach wire connectors.
- Attach fixture to box or strap with screws provided, or with canopy nut.
- Install recommended lamps (light bulbs).
- Install lens or glass shade.
- Turn on power to the house.
- Turn on switch.
Ceiling Fans 101
Ceiling or paddle fans are relatively easy to install.
- Make sure your outlet box is UL listed for ceiling fan support.
- Turn off all power to house.
- Turn off switch.
- Open ceiling fan box and read all directions.
- Follow all directions of manufacturer.
- Attach green fan wire to bare house wire.
- Attach white fan wire to white house wire.
- Attach black fan wire to black house wire.
- Slide canopy up, attach with screw provided.
- Attach blades.
- Turn on house power.
- Turn on switch.
Checking Out Your Smoke Detector
Most homes that have been recently built or remodeled will have interlinked smoke detectors. These will sound off as one large unit in case of any unit detecting smoke.
If one unit chirps, usually it is the battery in the unit. Even "hardwired" or 120 volt units utilize a battery as a back up. If the battery looses its charge, often the unit will chirp. Replace the battery. If this fails, give us a call.
Energy Conservation Tips
Get your electrical system checked out. Loose connections can build up enormous heat, which you are paying for in terms of additional and unused kilowatt hours.
Install a Power Saver at your Main Electrical Panel, provided by HomeTech electric and save up to 25% on your monthly electric bill.
You've heard it a hundred times - turn your thermostat to 78 degrees in the summer and 68 degrees in the winter. Better yet, invest in a digital thermostat that automatically adjusts the temperature while you're away at work. Balance your load - most watt hour meters for homes and small businesses use the higher of the two phases to calculate your electric bill. If the load were in balance, you could save as much as 15% of your electrical utility bill.