Electrical
Every effort has been made to evaluate the size of the service. Three wires going into the home indicate 240 volts. The total amps is sometimes difficult to determine. We highly recommend that ground fault circuit interrupters (G.F.C.I.) be connected to all outlets around water. This device automatically opens the circuit when it senses a current leak to ground. This device can be purchased in most hardware stores. G.F.C.I.’s are recommended by all outlets located near water, outside outlets, or garage outlets. Pool / hot tub / whirlpool outlets should also be protected with a G.F.C.I.
The G.F.C.I. senses the flow of electricity through a circuit. If more current is flowing through the black (“hot”) wire than the white (“neutral”) wire, there is a current leakage. The G.F.C.I., which can sense a ground leak of as little as .005 amps, will shut off the current in 1/40 of a second, which is fast enough to prevent injury.
If you do have G.F.C.I.’s, it is recommended that you test (and reset) them monthly. When you push the test button, the reset button should pop out, shutting off the circuit. If it doesn’t, the breaker is not working properly. If you don’t test them once a month, the breakers have a tendency to stick, and may not protect you when needed.
Knob and tube wiring found in older homes should be checked by an electrician to insure that the wire cover is in good condition. Under no circumstances should this wire be covered with insulation. Recess light fixtures should have a baffle around them so that they are not covered with insulation. The newer recessed fixtures will shut off if they overheat.
Federal Pacific electrical panels may be unsafe. See www.google.com and search for “Federal Pacific” for additional and up-to-date information.
Aluminum branch wiring in general lighting circuits has a history of overheating, with the potential of a fire. If this type of wiring exists, a licensed electrical contractor should examine the whole system.
Reverse Polarity
A common problem that surfaces in many homes is reverse polarity. This is a potentially hazardous situation in which the hot and neutral wires of a circuit are reversed at the outlet, thereby allowing the appliance to incorrectly be connected. This is an inexpensive item to correct.
Each receptacle has a brass and silver screw. The black wire should be wired to the brass screw and the white wire should go to the silver screw. When these wires are switched, this is called “reverse polarity”. Turning off the power and switching these wires will correct the problem.
Main service wiring for housing is typically 240 volts. The minimum capacity for newer homes is 100 amps, though many older homes still have 60 amp service. Larger homes or all electric homes will likely have a 200 amp service. Many insurance companies will not insure 60 amp systems.
Main service wiring may be protected by one or more circuit breakers or fuses. While most areas allow up to six main turnoffs, expanding from these panels is generally not allowed.

Surge Protection
When using surge protectors on ungrounded outlets no protection will be offered outlets must be grounded for proper
protection for surge protectors to properly operate.
Consider main electrical panel lighting arrestor / surge protection – this will offer complete lighting /surge protection
for the entire home. Talk to your local electrician about upgrading.