Maintenance

Good maintenance can keep your electrical system and equipment operating safely for years to come—but neglecting it can quickly lead to accidents, fires or costly downtime.

• Keep all electrical equipment and service areas clean. Clear away dust and cobwebs often, and make sure moisture isn't accumulating.
• Make sure all wiring and cords are protected from human and animal contact or damage from equipment (e.g., cords traveling under a heavy storage cabinet).
• Check to see if all fuses in the service panel are the correct size for their circuits.
• Check outlets and switches for loose connections or broken or missing cover plates.

• When replacing light bulbs, make sure the wattage doesn't exceed the fixture's rating.
• Keep high-intensity light fixtures away from combustible materials.
• Be sure to turn off and unplug equipment before cleaning or repairing. Turn off the power at the service panel when checking outlets, switches and light fixtures.