Household wiring, for example, should not be installed by a casual do-it- yourselfer. It should always be installed and inspected by a certified electrician to comply with national, state and local safety codes.

Appliances connected to those circuits should also be properly installed. On smaller appliances, look for approval by the underwriter's laboratory. Have professionals install larger items like ranges, water heaters and electric heating systems.

This is important because all electric appliances are not the same. Many require "dedicated" service consisting of their own wiring and circuit breaker. Electric stoves and heat pumps fall into this category, as do refrigerators and large air conditioners.

Simply plugging a refrigerator into a general purpose outlet could produce a dangerous overload in the circuit.

That is why properly wired homes are equipped with three kinds of circuits:

• fixed lines for major appliances
• general purpose for lighting and
small appliances
• kitchen outlets for portable appliances like food processors, toasters
and mixers that demand higher electricity

Some signs of inadequate wiring include:

• lights dimming when an appliance is operating
• slow running motors, irons and other heat-producing appliances that fail to heat
properly
• frequently blown fuses or tripped circuit breakers and a shortage of outlets

Electrical Hazards

Shock Protectors

Appliance Safety

Use Cord Common Sense

Outdoor Fixtures

Be Prepared