If you recently purchased a new home that was wired by Westrend Electric, Inc. there are some electrical features you need to be aware of.  We hope that the following information will be useful to you and will help to avoid any inconvenience or unnecessary electrical service calls.

Telephone

Circuit Breakers    

Each circuit is protected with a circuit breaker located in the main electrical panel.  If the circuit trips, it must be turned to the “off” position to reset, and re-turned to the “on” position. If the breaker will not reset, unplug all devices on the circuit. If the breaker still won't reset, call us. AFCI's - Some homes may have arc fault breakers installed for the bedroom outlets. Refer to the AFCI sticker in your service panel for testing and troubleshooting instructions.

Switched Duplex Receptacles

Typically, one outlet in the bedroom, living room, and family room are referred to as “half hot” (turned upside down) receptacles.  This means the wall switch for the room controls the top plug outlet of the receptacle.  Clocks and small apparatus that require continuous current must be plugged to the bottom outlet or it will go on and off with the wall switch. Use a small lamp or other device, plug it into top outlet, and try each switch until you find the one that works this outlet.

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter

A ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protects the bathrooms, kitchen, garage and outside receptacles.  This is a safety device to prevent electrical shock due to water or moisture in these areas.  If there appears to be no power at the receptacle in these areas, unplug all items in these outlets, then hit the test button, and then “reset” button.  Be sure to test and reset all GFI receptacles. Note: Some outdoor fountains and landscape lights may cause nuisance tripping. Unplug these items and reset the GFI. Never plug refrigerators or freezers into a GFI circuit, as the motor may cause the GFI to trip and their contents to spoil. This would also include treadmills and power tools. Test all GFIs monthly in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

Noisy Fluorescent Light Ballast in Kitchen & Bathrooms - Including Undercounter lights.

All ballasts make noise. Part of the problem is the lack of ambient noise inside the home.  Also, the new energy saving ballast’s take longer to heat up.  When the ballast heats up, it runs more quietly.  One way to help solve the noise is to leave the light on one full day.  This will heat the ballast and make it run with less noise. Also, check the lamps. Black bands on the ends may indicate that the lamps need replacement.

Smoke Detectors

Your smoke detectors are designed to detect smoke from a fire and sound a warning alarm.  They are wired directly, but have a battery backup in case of a power outage.  They are extremely sensitive and may false alarm from smoke associated with cooking, insects or dust particles.  The manufacturer recommends vacuuming the device periodically to help eliminate false alarms.  Changes in temperature and humidity can also cause false alarms.  Westrend Electric, Inc. cannot respond in the case of battery problems or false alarms.

The detectors will make a chirping sound when the batteries are getting low.  We recommend you change them twice a year with a 9-Volt, carbon zinc or alkaline battery and do all of them at the same time, say around the time change in the spring and fall.  Follow the instructions carefully, as an incorrectly installed battery will continue to chirp. Refer to your instruction booklet prior to calling for service. Smoke detectors are wired together (interconnected). Problems with one may affect others.

Repair Calls 

Electrical problems that require a service tech may require 72 hours notice, however, most repair calls are handled within 48 hours.  When calling, please ask for the service department.  Regular hours for our service department are 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.  The phone numbers are as follows:

(619) 440-1700 - During regular business hours: 

(619) 969-7622 - After hours emergency only pager (life threatening or safety issues) 

When you call for repairs, to ensure a prompt response, please have the following information available:

·  Your name

·  Name of development and lot number

·  Your address

·  Your phone number

·  A brief description of the problem (include size of lights if undercounter lights)

·  Close of escrow or move-in date

Warranty

Not all electrical items were furnished by Westrend Electric, Inc.  Other suppliers warrant appliances, garage door openers, security or alarm systems, certain decorative light fixtures, and wiring preformed by landscape or pool contractors.  In general, the following electrical items are warranted for a period of one year after the close of escrow.   

·  Switches (not including face plates)

·  Receptacles (not including face plates)

·  Circuit Breakers, Electrical Panels & related apparatus

·  Recessed Light Fixtures (excluding lamps)

·  Exhaust Fans & Exhaust Fan/Light Combinations

·  Door Bell & Chime Systems

·  Workmanship on all Westrend Electric installed items