What is the purpose for electrical breakers/fuses in an electrical panel?
Electrical breakers and fuses are in place to automatically shut-off power to that circuit if it becomes overloaded or an electrical malfunction occurs. If a breaker continues to “trip” it can be a sign of to many appliances plugged into the circuit or a serious problem exists that MUST BE identified and corrected by a certified electrician. Give two examples of when an extension cord would create a fire hazard? Many extension cords fail because they are being used in situations that exceed their rated electrical capacity. For example, a $1 extension cord can easily fail if used to power a space heater, toaster oven, or microwave. Another influencing factor is damage or age. If a cord’s protective cover is cracked or damaged unplug it, cut it in half so no one else can use it, and throw it away. If an extension cord is warm when it is being used, that is a sign it is overloaded. Discontinue using it for that purpose and consult with an electrician or trained personnel at Lowe’s or Home
