electrical equipment
Keep electrical equipment on the outside of your home in good repair too. Cover receptacles when they’re not in use. Lubricate the cover hinges periodically to prevent rusting. Exterior light fixtures take a great deal of battering and weathering. Always keep bulbs in the outside fixtures, so corrosion can’t form as rapidly in sockets. At least cover an unused fixture with a plastic bag to prevent rain from rusting the socket. Homes vacant on a dealer’s lot may have rusted light sockets. Ask that they be replaced before you buy. You can replace a damaged fixture yourself. It doesn’t require an electrician or a lot of time. But turn off the circuit. One thing to look for when purchasing a new outside fixture: drain holes to allow rain, snow, or sand to dribble out the bottom. Then replacement instructions on the preceding page apply easily to outside fixtures. When electrical problems develop which are not covered in this chapter, do not attempt the repair yourself. These require the attention of a qualified electrician.
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