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Problem: bath or utility exhaust fan
won’t work
Listen for a humming noise. If there isn’t
one, the problem likely is electrical. Call an
electrician. If the fan makes a humming noise,
or otherwise responds when you flip the wall
switch, the problem likely lies with the unit
itself. Call the manufacturer.
Problem: an outlet sparks when an
appliance is plugged in
Turn off the appliance, and then plug it in. If
there still is a spark, turn it off again and try
another outlet. If it still sparks, the appliance
cord likely is the cause of the sparks.
Problem: outlet or switch is hot
to the touch
Switch to OFF the circuit breaker that controls
that outlet or switch. Call an electrician.
HOME TIP: Call an electrician if wall
switches or outlets create sparks.
Also, see Circuit Breakers, page 13.
GFCIs & AFCIs
These are special types of circuit breakers that
protect against electrocution, fire, and shock.
GFCIs
Ground fault circuit interrupters can be found
at the electrical panel box or outlets and are
located in areas that may get wet (bathrooms,
kitchens, laundry rooms, and outside).
These breakers detect even tiny unwanted
electrical flows and trip immediately, which
cuts the circuit’s power. That protects
the person using the circuit from getting
electrocuted or shocked.
Determine which outlets and breakers are
GFCIs by looking at them. At the outlets, they
have one button that reads TEST, another that
reads RESET. At the electrical panel, the breaker
will have a button marked TEST.
AFCIs
Depending on where you live, arc fault circuit
interrupters may be required in addition to
GFCIs. Arc fault circuit interrupters are installed
on circuits that provide power to bedrooms;
they’re designed to protect the system from fire.
Arcing occurs for a variety of reasons including
loose connections, pinched cords, or cables that
contact vibrating machinery. AFCIs detect such
arcing — whether in a circuit, extension cord, or
appliance — and trip immediately to cut power
to the circuit.
Care and maintenance
The following are tips for maintaining your
GFCIs and AFCIs.
