Circuit Breakers Circuit breakers are the modern day version of the fuse. Circuit breakers automatically turn off the flow of electricity at the electrical panel when too much current is drawn through them. Circuit breakers operate either by reacting to excessive heat build-up (via a bimetal strip) or by electromagnets that sense a dramatic surge in power that could cause a short circuit. In either case, once the electrical fault is corrected, the breaker can be reset and power restored. You should be familiar with the electrical panel and know which breaker controls each electrical area of your home. Most electrical panels feature a chart for the electrician who installed the system to record where each breaker has been assigned (e.g. Breaker #1 – Kitchen). Keep a flashlight near the electrical panel, so you can read this chart during a power failure. The heart of your electrical system is the main electrical panel that contains an array of circuit breakers. Circuit breakers protect the wiring in your home. Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters prevent fires caused by loose or broken wires. Ground Fault Interrupters protect people from electric shock. Usually, electrical problems are the fault of an electrical appliance, and your home’s electrical system is simply responding to a potential circuit overload by shutting off the electrical power. Frequent tripping of the circuit breakers may indicate the circuit’s overloaded or a breaker is faulty. Some appliances have special power requirements and may draw more electricity than the average appliance. If the power outage is the result of a short circuit, as opposed to an appliance overload, the panel should be repaired by an electrician. Many fires occur each year from misuse of electrical equipment. Contact an electrician or a recognized appliance service agent to make these repairs. You should be familiar with the electrical panel and know which breaker controls each electrical area of your home. 100 ANHWP.COM • ALBERTA NEW HOME WARRANTY PROGRAM