Should I hire a plumber or do the work myself?
DON'T LET YOUR RINGGIT GO DOWN THE DRAIN!
8. Electrical and Mechanical
8.1 Auto-gate
Motor Arm/ Guide/ Lock
Clear sand and grit from moving arms, rollers, guides, and locks on a monthly basis.
Apply lubricanting oil regularly. This will smoothen the movement and impedes rainwater from rusting these parts.
Control Panel
Ensure the control panel cover is closed tightly at all times to prevent water seepage. Do not touch the components inside.
Remote Controller
Check the remote controllers’ batteries every three months and replace if necessary.
Power Failure
During a power failure, use the key to release the lock and open the gate manually.
Actuator / Motor Seal
Check the rubber seal of motor actuator is intact. Make sure these are no oil leakages.
Check the gate alignment and adjust if mis-aligned. Do not allow anybody stand on the gate to avoid sagging of the gate and damages to the hinges.
The bearings of the four hinges should be lubricated. This should be done every six months.
8.2 Alarm System
Sensors / Sirens
Test all sensors (magnetic contact, vibration sensors and PIR motion detector) and sirens every 2 months. For details, please refer to the Alarm User’s Manual.
Do not allow children to play with any sensors to prevent the alarm wires from becoming loose.
Control Panel
To keep the control panel cover closed to ensure cleanliness of the control panel. Do not touch the component in the control panel.
Passive Infra Red Detector (PIR)
Do not place any heat emitting source next to the PIR Motion Detector.
Power Down
The following steps may be taken to power down the security alarm system in case of system malfunctions:
PRECAUTIONS:
1. Your hands should not be wet.
2. Do not touch any other wires besides the battery terminal probes.
3. Do not touch the transformer or disconnect any wires from transformer.
4. Shut off your ELCB power before working on the alarm system.
TOOLS:
1. Test pen or screw driver.
2. Some insulation tape e.g. PVC tape.
STEPS:
1. Do not panic.
2. Reach for the alarm control box and open it using the key provided.
3. Disconnect one or both the battery terminal probes linked to the battery.
4. Using the screwdriver, unscrew the battery terminals.Take out the wires and quickly tape them with PVC tape at the exposed tips so as not to cause any shorting.
5. Tidy up and close the cabinet (system completely down now and wait for rectification works). Call supplier for any required assistance.
Care And Maintenance For Your Home
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8.3 Air-conditioners
The lack of maintenance is one of the biggest reasons why air conditioners break down. Not only will you feel the discomfort and inconvenience of having your air conditioner unit not working, it will also consume higher energy and have a lower cooling capacity. In the worst scenario, it could pose a health hazard when fungus grows in the air conditioner.
The performance of air conditioners begins with proper installation and commissioning. After that, regular and proper maintenance is necessary for the air conditioner to remain in peak condition.
Installation and Commissioning
When you engage a contractor to install the unit, you must ensure that the contractor checks the drainpipe to ensure there are no blockages or clogging. To check the drainpipe, pour water into the pipe and make sure the water flows out from the outlet, which is normally located at the parameter drain or floor trap.
Always insist on taking a copy of the operation and maintenance manual, and also warranty card from the contractor or the supplier after installation. Read the manual carefully to fully understand the content. Keep the manual in a handy place for easy reference.
Basic Maintenance
It is easy to maintain an air conditioner. There are two kinds of maintenance. The first is the basic maintenance that you can do on your own. It starts with washing the air filter yourself. Most, if not all split air conditioners come with air filters. The function of the air filter is to prevent dust in the room from sticking to the cooling coil.
Cleaning of Air Filters
Turn off the air-conditioner and switch off the mains. Open the front grill and remove the filters. Remove dirt using a vacuum cleaner, wash the back of the air filters with water (and mild household detergent, if necessary).
Let the air filters dry thoroughly before reinstalling. Please make sure the word “FRONT” is facing you as you slide the air filters back into place. CAUTION - Do not use thinner, benzene, scouring powder or cloths soaked in caustic chemicals to wash the air conditioner.Cleaning must be done once every two weeks to ensure efficiency of air flow.
Cleaning of Front Panel
CAUTION - Check your user operation manual for instructions as design, installation and removal varies from different manufacturers. Raise the front panel to its full extent. Slide the two taps (left and right) to the UNLOCK position. Raise the front panel to a position slightly higher than horizontal and pull to remove. Remove dirt by vacuum cleaner and/or wash with wet piece of cloth. Leave it to dry before re-installing.
Preventive Maintenance
This kind of maintenance is best carried out by contractors. As the name implies, preventive maintenance is carried out to minimize breakdown and to make sure the air conditioner is in optimum running condition.
Preventive maintenance is recommended at least once every year.
External Unit
For the external unit, lightly scrape fins with a non-organic brush and wash down with lukewarm water. If grease or stubborn debris is present, cleaning with chemicals is recommended. Care has to be taken to ensure that the fins are not dented or punctured.
Internal Unit
For the internal unit, use a blower to remove the light dust and dirt on the front panel. If it is too dirty, remove and clean it with water and a non-abrasive chemical. Removed air filters and clean with water.
Gas Pressure
Check that the gas pressure is sufficient by using a pressure gauge. If the gas pressure is low, additional gas needs to be added. Check for leakages at connection by applying some soap bubble foam onto it.
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Care And Maintenance For Your Home
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Thermostat
Check the functionality of the thermostat and make sure the condenser does not cut in/off too often (i.e. every five minutes). When the thermostat does not function properly, the condenser will run endlessly and this will result in a shorter lifespan for the compressor motor.
Drain Pipe
Clear the drainpipe by using compressed air to avoid potential blockage. After this, run the air conditioner and check the drain pipe outlet (located in the drain or bathroom floor trap to make sure that water is draining.) Overhaul Service
For old units, there is a high possibility that the coil and the blower fan may be clogged with dirt. This is especially if your house is located near the main road or construction area. The cooling capacity of the unit will drop significantly and the unit will be running inefficiently.
In this case, the contractor has to do a chemical cleaning to remove the stubborn dirt. This is called an overhaul service. Overhaul service is carried out only when it is necessary. Nevertheless, the frequency of overhaul service can be minimized if we clean the air conditioner unit regularly.
An overhaul service may be required for old air conditioners when necessary. The coil and the blower fan may be clogged with stubborn dirt or grease.
Both the internal and external unit of the air conditioner will be removed or taken down for thorough service and chemical cleaning.
Trouble Shooting
Often, we find ourselves helpless when some of our electrical appliances are not working. This is especially when we want to use it at night. Just what can you do when your air conditioner is not working?
Some of the tips given below are quite easy to follow. For problems you cannot handle, call in the experts. Keep the contact number of your contractor handy. A copy of the manual always comes with the purchase of the air conditioner unit. Keep your copy in a safe place for easy reference.
If the air conditioner does not cool effectively
• Check the temperature of the remote and make sure it is set correctly.
• Check the mode setting of the remote control.
• Make sure the intake or outlet vents of the outdoor unit is not obstructed and running smoothly.
• Check all windows and doors to ensure they are closed.
• Check the air filter. Clean the filter if it is dirty.
If the air conditioner does not work
• Check the circuit breaker or air-con starter and reset it if it has tripped.
• Check the power switch in the air conditioner internal unit switch to make sure it is at “I” or ON.
If water drips from internal air conditioner unit
• Check if the air-con drain pipe blocked.
• Check if the air-con drain pipe is properly connected to the conceal air-con drain pipe.
If the room has a peculiar odour
• Check if there is stagnant water in the tray of the internal air-con unit.
• Check if there is any damp or wet carpet, furniture or clothing in the room.
• Ventilate the room 30 minutes to an hour per day.
If the air conditioner unit does not respond to the remote control
• Check the battery in the remote control and change the battery if it is weak.
• Check the electrical supply and turn it ON.
• Check the air-con starter ( if any ) and make sure it is switched ON.
• If the unit has just been restarted, please wait three minutes before the air-con begins operation.
Care And Maintenance For Your Home
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8.4 Main Switchboards And ELCB
Testing of ELCB
Check workability of ELCB by pressing the red test button. It would trigger by turning off the whole circuit in the house.
If ELCB persistently trips when certain appliance in the house is being used, switch off all the MCBs and switch on one by one. If ELCB trip when a particular MCB is switched on, then that particular circuit is giving the problem.
Thus, send the suspicious/dangerous appliance to electrician for repairs.
Lightning
Violent lightning at night can trigger the same. Get up and turn off the Main Switch first, then turn on the ELCB next, then the Main Switch on again and the whole system should re-ignite the circuit in the house.
Torch Light
Always keep a portable torch light by the bedside and another in a kitchen cabinet.
Our Advice
Do not attempt to change the MCBs / switches in the electrical board. Please engage a qualified electrician to do the job. When in doubt, consult your regular electrician.
8.5 External Switch Socket Outlet Point At Patio / Drive Way
An external 13Amp switch socket outlet point is provided at your patio for your convenience when electricity supply is required to power your water jet or vacuum cleaner.
This switch socket outlet is controlled by a single MCB that is labeled in the electrical Distribution Box. Always switch off the MCB when the switch socket outlet is not in use. This is to prevent misuse by the intruder.
8.6 Automatic Motion Sensor Light
Always leave the automatic motion sensors light (AMSL) on. The AMSL has a photocell that will cut off the lighting during daytime.
8.7 Night Lighting
Bright environment is one of the best deterrence against un-invited intrusion.
During night, we recommend you to switch on a minimum of the following lights 1. Gatepost lights (2 nos.)
2. Main door entrance light / car porch light (1 nos. ) 3. Back / side yard lights ( 2 nos.)
Use energy saving bulbs of 20 watts (equivalent to 100 watts output).
8.8 Spare Bulbs
Keep bulb free of dust at all times to obtain maximum lighting output. Avoid touching bare bulbs with your fingers, and use a clean, dry cloth to wipe away dust.
Always keep a supply of spare bulbs in the house.
A combination of warm and cold lighting lents a conducive environment.
Always dispose of spare bulbs and breakables like glass, wrapped in newspaper, then a plastic bag before discarding.
Discard fluorescent tubes with extra care to ensure it does not cut anyone as it contains mercury vapour, which is extremely dangerous.
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