When fixing anything electrical such as a garbage disposal, they always say turn off the power. Switch on/off?

Question

Exactly what does that mean? Turning the switch to the off position? Unplugging the garbage disposal? Or doing even more?

Answer 1

Any electromechanical device should be regarded like a

loaded gun when you're putting your fingers in the works.

Switch power to off.

If theres a plug, pull it out.

If there's a circuit breaker, switch it off as well.

You can't be too careful.

That;s how the 'Pros' do it.

Answer 2

If you can unplug it then just unplug it that would be enough. But if you can't get to the plug then just hit switch in the breaker box. Then put tape on the on/off switch, just  so someone will not try to hit the switch, even if the plug is pulled..... But I hope you have all the tools to do it, cause you need a garbage disposal wrench to take it off.....

Answer 3

Hi,

Are you sure you want to continue fixing this?

Ever did something before, try to fix electrical equipment?

Well if you are absolutely sure...

The whole purpose of disconnecting power from the equipment is that you are not getting in contact with the electrical power.

This starts with switching it OFF with the power ON/OFF swich.

Are you still with me?

But it is more safe to completely disconnect the device from the power source at all.

This means; UNPLUG the power cable from the power source.

In short;

When ever you read turn off the power is is always the best and the most save way to disconnect the powercord as-well.

Hope this will help you, please be careful.

-R.

Answer 4

the question is not how to or where to shut it off. The appliance is a example.the question is what does it do when you shut it off it means removing the potential.or removing the path of electricity

Answer 5

When stated switch on/off it means to power off or on the appliance. In other words, in most cases a garbage disposal is turned on or off by a switch usually located on the wall. However, there is also a power cord attached from the garbage disposal to a wall outlet located underneath the sink or below the disposal. If there is no on/off switch on the wall look for it connected to the disposal. Its important that anytime you work with electricity that you respect its potential. By turning off the power (or unplugging power cord) you essentially lock out the possibility of electrical hazard while working on the disposal.    

Answer 6

i'd take any measure

turn off the switch

unplug it

maybe even go turn off the breaker to the kitchen anything so you won't get your hand hacked off

Answer 7

Figure out which switch on your circuit board operates the appliance, and turn off the electricity there.  

Answer 8

If your disposal is plugged in, unplug it. If it's "hard wired" with no plug turn off the breaker.

There is no reason to unplug it AND turn off the breaker, that's silly.

Answer 9

Bobbie,

   The best thing is to turn off the circuit breaker or pull or unscrew the fuse in the fusebox (if it's an old house).  New houses have circuit breakers.  They should all be labeled.  If not, plug a radio into the outlet in question, and turn it up.  Go to the breaker box, and start trying breakers.  When you get to the right one, the music will stop.

   Also - don't bet your life on the one in a zillion chance that the radio coincidentally fried at that exact moment.  Check the outlet by plugging in something else like a lamp that just worked somewhere else.

   When in doubt about how to work with electricity, it's best to call a friend that is very familiar or hire an electrician, but a garbage disposal shouldn't be much of a mystery.

-Kevin

Amen to that other answer.  Never, ever, no matter what the electricity is doing, on, off or whatever, never stick your hand in the disposal.  They can come back on, they can be stuck and get unstuck,  and loose wires that seemed disconnected can suddenly and mysteriously start conducting if they are touching but you thought they weren't because they don't seem to be working.