Maintenance

Breaker Panel: The breaker panel that contains the electrical breakers for your home includes a “main” shut-off that controls all the electrical power to the home. In addition, individual breakers control the separate circuits. Be certain you are familiar with the location of the master breaker panel.

Electrical Service: The electrical service entrance, which provides power to the service panel, has been designated for the electrical needs of the house. Do not tamper with the cable.

Outlets: If an outlet is not working, check first to see if it is one that is controlled by a wall switch or protected by a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI). Next, check the breaker. (See below.)

Breaker Tripping: Plugging too many appliances into a circuit can often cause the breaker to trip. Also, a worn cord, defective item, operating an appliance with too high a voltage requirement, or starting an electric motor can trip a breaker.

If any circuit trips repeatedly, unplug all items connected to it and reset. If it trips when nothing is connected to it, you need an electrician and the problem should be reported. If the circuit remains on, one of the items you unplugged may be defective and may require repair or replacement.

GFCI: GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) receptacles have a built-in element, which senses fluctuations in power. Quite simply, the GFCI is an indoor circuit breaker. Installation of these receptacles is required by building codes in bathrooms, the kitchen, exterior outlets, and in the garage (areas where an individual can come into contact with water while holding an electric appliance or tool).

Heavy appliances such as freezers or power tools can trip the GFCI breaker. Do not plug a refrigerator or food freezer into a GFCI controlled outlet.  The likelihood of the contents being ruined is very high, and any damage is NOT covered by the Limited Warranty and Blackrock Homes shall not be responsible.

Each GFCI receptacle has a test and reset button. Once each month, the test button should be pressed. This will trip the circuit. To return service, press the reset button. If a GFCI breaker trips during normal use, it may be an indication of a faulty appliance and some investigation is in order. An important point to remember is that each GFCI breaker can service several outlets.

Unused Outlets: If there are small children in the home, install safety plugs to cover unused outlets. This also minimizes air infiltration that can sometimes occur with these outlets. Teach children never to touch electrical outlets, sockets, or fixtures.

Ground Wire: Your electrical system is a three-wire grounded system. Never remove the bare wire, which connects to the box or device.

Buzzing: Fluorescent fixtures use transformer action to operate them. This action sometimes causes a buzzing. This is normal.

Blinking/Dimming: Blinking or dimming lights are most likely due to a temporary drop in voltage, which is generally caused when a large appliance such as a refrigerator or air conditioning unit cycles on. This is a common occurrence and depends upon what the demand on the power company is at that time of day, and may be more noticeable in some neighborhoods. Irons and vacuum cleaners also draw large amounts of power and may cause dimming of lights.

Underground Cables: Before digging or moving large amounts of soil in areas with underground utilities, check the location of buried service leads by calling Dig Line.

Recessed Can Lights: All recessed can fixtures have a thermal cutoff switch internally wired. If too much heat from the lamp is trapped inside, it will automatically shut off to prevent a hazard.

Modifications: Do not tamper with or add to your electrical system. For any modification that is needed, contact a qualified electrician.

Electrical Shut-Off: Your main electrical shut-off is located in your breaker box.

 

Limited Warranty
Any electrical wiring that fails to carry its designated load will be repaired to meet specifications.

Fixtures: Fixtures noted as damaged on the Home Orientation List, or that fail to operate as intended during the first year, will be repaired or replaced at the discretion of Blackrock Homes.

Power Surge: Power surges are the result of local conditions beyond the control of Blackrock Homes. The result of surges is often burned out bulbs. Blackrock Homes does not warrant against any defect or consequential damage resulting from a power surge.