The Golden State: Where & How to Live, Secure, Visit, Enjoy and Thrive in California
Care And Repair Of The House
Electricity
1. SOME PRECAUTIONS TO BE OBSERVED IN USING ELECTRICITY
Electricity is one of the most conveniently applied forms of energy for household uses. In addition to its great convenience and adaptability for various purposes, it has the further important advantage, when properly used, of increased safety over many of its predecessors. However, there are possible serious hazards to both life and property from electric wiring and devices, if wrongly installed or if carelessly handled.
Do not touch or disturb any electric wiring or appliances, except such as are intended to be handled. In handling electrical devices, use the insulated handles provided. Never touch interior live metal parts of sockets, plugs, or receptacles which are used to carry current without first cutting off the current at the main switch.
Never touch any part of an electric cord, or fixture, even though it is apparently a nonconductor, with wet hands, or while any part of the person is in water. In bathrooms, kitchens, laundries, basements, garages, or other rooms where floors may be damp, avoid touching any metal part of lamp sockets, fixtures, or other electric devices; do not touch any of these while also touching a water pipe, plumbing fixture, radiator, stove, or heater. There is danger of shock by the passage of electricity from an ungrounded electric fixture through the body to the water or grounded metal.
2. EXTENT TO WHICH HOME REPAIRS MAY SAFELY BE MADE
Only minor repairs to the electrical system and equipment of a house should be undertaken by the home repairman. These may include such tasks as replacing a blown-out fuse, overhauling an electric-bell system, or repairing broken appliance cords. He should not attempt to disturb the permanent wiring or make extensions thereto, even though he may be familiar with such work. Work of this nature should be done by an experienced electrician in accordance with local regulations or the provisions of the latest edition of the National Electrical Code.
3. HOW TO CUT OFF THE CURRENT
As in the case of the water supply, the main electrical supply may be completely cut off where it enters the house system. The incoming current is controlled by means of a main switch, the location and operation of which the occupants of the house should learn. The switch is usually in a metal box near the meter and may be located in the basement, a rear hall, or in some other out-of-way place. It may be either a knife switch inside the box or it may be operated by means of a handle protruding from the side of the box. In opening a main switch, especially the knife kind, care should be taken not to touch bare metal parts.
