ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES DIFFER in their care and it is impossible to give specific instructions for each item and make. So if you have lost your instructions, it might be a good idea to write for a new booklet. Be sure to give the manufacturer or your dealer the model number of your appliance, which is usually stamped somewhere on it.

FUSES ARE SAFETY GADGETS designed to cut off electric power when there is trouble in a particular circuit. The little metal wall box containing them is usually somewhere in the basement. When an electric circuit is overloaded, a strip of soft metal melts in the fuse, thus interrupting the flow of electricity. Overloading a circuit with appliances, worn cords, and defective equipment will cause blown fuses. Check these possibilities and then unscrew the broken fuse and put in a new one. Fuses screw in just like an electric bulb and are very easily replaced, but make sure that the fuse you put in is of the same amperage. The number of amperes will be stamped on the screw end of the fuse. If the new fuse blows, or if you cannot locate the trouble, call an electrician immediately.

ELECTRIC LIGHT BULBS. Consideration of cords, plugs, and circuit loads is of course elementary. So are electric light bulbs, but are you really well informed about them? To begin with, their wattage should be suited to the task they are expected to perform and if you read or work with improper light you can expect aching eyes and glasses later. Any electric power company can supply you with information about this.

KEEP LIGHT FIXTURES CLEAN. You may be careful about using the proper bulbs in your lamps and wall lights and still not be getting adequate light. If lamp bulbs, shades, and reflecting bowls are dusty and soiled you are losing a great deal of the light you are paying for. Switch the lamp off and dust the bulbs, shades, and other parts when you dust your furniture. If the bulbs and bowls have accumulated a greasy, dust-catching film, take them off and wash them. Reflecting bowls and glass shades can be washed like other glassware. Bulbs and fluorescent tubes, however, should never be immersed in water. When they are cool, clean them with a damp soapy cloth and wipe them dry. Be sure your hands are dry when you replace them.

IF BULBS AND TUBES STILL LOOK DARK after they have been cleaned, they are about to go and are giving poor light. Screw in new ones.

DISPOSE OF OLD BULBS AND TUBES carefully. In fires, they produce minor explosions. Thrown out carelessly they can cause serious cuts, especially on children. And the materials used in some fluorescent tubes may be harmful when they are broken.

Overloading a circuit with appliances, worn cords, and defective equipment will cause blown fuses. Use the electric light bulbs which the wattage suited the the task they performed and make sure the keep the light fixtures clean to avoid the poor light.