I want to replace a standard wall socket with a new USB which looks something like this…
The instructions say to turn off the power for the socket. I went to the master house control and took a picture…
I assume that I can turn the power off with the big switch on the right that currently shows "ON". I do not know if this must work in concert with the objects containing white, blue, and red dots (don't know what they are).
Question: If I switch it "OFF" will it turn off the power?
Ancillary questions:
-
Does anything need to be done prior to switching it off? Are the
objects to the left involved in any way? -
Does switching it off invite any disastrous consequences that I
should be aware of? -
Does anything need to be done prior to restoring power? Will the
house suffer from thermal shock?
As a final thought, if the picture gives an idea of the date or age, I would be grateful. I have been assuming the house is 1940's British Pebbledash.
Best Answer
Yes flipping the switch will turn the power off. You will still want to double check at the outlet with a voltage tester.
The objects to the left are fuses and are color coded to the amperage which you can also see embossed on the front (red is 30 amps; blue is 15 amps and I can't read the white one). If one blows then you will probably want to replace the entire panel for one with resetable fuses as I don't think you'll be able to find replacements easily anymore. It's also possible that a previous owner added a bypass wire at the back of a blown fuse. This is not something you want to keep in place.
Remember that the power to everything will be cut including lights and your fridge; freezer and computer. If anything can't handle a sudden power outage well then shut it down before cutting the power.
If you have appliances with an induction motor (like a pump or a blower) then the current may spike when you turn the power back on and blow a fuse. If you have several then disconnect them and after you turn the power back on reconnect them one by one.