Household Repairs Electrical appliances are pretty complicated gadgets and difficult to repair. They are also hazardous to repair because you may either get a shock in the process or cause a fire later.

Nevertheless, before you rush out for a serviceman, there are several obvious checks to make:

1.  Is the appliance plugged in and turned on? It's surprising how often people call a serviceman without determining this.

2.  Are the prongs on the end of the cord plug loose in the outlet? Bend them outward slightly and try plugging in again.

3.  Is the outlet into which the appliance is plugged operative? To check this, simply plug a light into it. If the light doesn't go on, the outlet may need to be replaced (see electric outlet).

4.  Has the fuse blown on the circuit into which the appliance is plugged? If it has, the little window on the back will be clouded. To replace it, turn off the house current at the meter. Then screw out the fuse and replace with one of exactly the same amperage (this is marked on the tip). Don't use a penny in place of a fuse.

If you have circuit breakers instead of fuses, the breaker handle on the inoperative circuit will be tripped. All you have to do is push it back on again to restore current. (You don't have to shut off the entire house current.)




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Home > Household Repairs > Basic Methods > How To Check Out Electrical Appliances

May 22, 2012