Electrical System and the Gas & Oil Equipment
Electrical System
Just like plumbing has shutoff valves, circuit breakers & fuses are the shutoff valves in the electrical system. You have to have instant access to the main panel or fuse box incase of an emergency. The house may be dark in an emergency situation so keep a flashlight available to use to find the panel.
If a fuse blows you will need extra fuses to replace the blown one. Make sure you use the correct # of amps in replacing the blown fuse. Most lighting circuits are 15 amps. Also, the circuits should be labeled in the panel or fuse box to assist you in any repairs or upgrades.
Gas & Oil Equipment
Gas shutoff valves usually have a narrow flat extension on top that can be turned 90°. When the extension is running parallel to the gas line the gas flow is open. When the extension is perpendicular the gas flow is blocked. If your extension has a hole in the middle you will have to use a screw driver to turn it.
Oil shutoff valves usually have a round handle that closes by turning to the right and opens by turning to the left.
Types of Gas & Oil Valves
· You will have a main shutoff valve that shuts off all the gas or oil to the house.
· All appliances have individual shutoff valves that shut the fuel off without affecting the appliance.
A service or emergency switch will turn off power to the equipment preventing it from operating. The switch is usually near the equipment on the wall. With oil equipment this may be at the type of the basement stairs. Most oil equipment has a reset button that trips if the line is clogged. If the button is out the burner can’t operate, if in it will. If the button is tripped only push it once, if it won’t ignite call for service. Always refer back to the manufactures instructions for any reset button or switch.
We will see you next week with great new tips on maintaining your home!!!!
The Turner Team
Posted at 03:12PM Feb 12, 2009 by Abbey Turner in General | Comments[0]
