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Electricity



Voltage and frequency
When you start using electricity
When you stop using electricity because you move out
How to pay power bills
In case of emergencies




Voltage and frequency

The voltage used in Japan is basically 100 volts although 200 volts is also used for some equipment. With regard to frequency, it is different on either side of the Fuji River in Shizuoka prefecture and the Itoigawa in Niigata prefecture, with 50Hz in the east and 60Hz in the west.
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When you start using electricity

The main breaker and the safety breakers are located at the panel board, which is usually installed on a wall near the entrance. When you start using electricity, turn on the breakers and check whether lights can be turned on. After confirming this, notify the electric power company of the customer's number indicated in the envelope which is attached to the breakers or the meter, along with your address, name, moving date, and time.

Main breaker 
 (earth leakage breaker)
The main breaker controls electric current in the entire building and automatically cuts off the power supply when there is an electric leak.
 
 
Safety breakers
Safety breakers are installed for each circuit. They automatically cut off the power supply when electricity is being used excessively or when the wire has a short circuit.

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When you stop using electricity because you move out

Four to five days before moving, notify your nearest electric power company by phone of your name, customer number (indicated in "a notification of the volume of power consumed" or receipt), moving date, and new address. Please make sure you contact them, otherwise they will not know when you stop using electricity and when the next tenant starts using electricity.
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How to pay power bills

  Electrical meters are read once a month. The inspection result is notified by "a notification of the volume of power comsumed." Please make payment by "invoice for payment" or convenient automatic transfer from your account. (Please contact the electrical power company in your area for the payment procedures of electric bills by transfer from your accout.) The calculation method differs depending on each electric company.
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In case of emergencies

When the power goes off suddenly:

 
 
1. Check if the main breaker is turned off.
2. If the main breaker is positioned halfway, turn off all main and safety breakers after pressing the yellow (or white) button.
3. Turn on the main breaker first and the safety breakers next one at a time.
 
4. If the main breaker moves halfway when any of the safety breakers are turned on, the safety breakers have short circuited.
5. As safety breakers having short circuits cannot be used, turn off these safety breakers. Other safety breakers can be used after being turned on.
 


When the power goes off in just one room:

 
1. Check whether there are any safety breakers that have been turned off.
2. Switch off all electrical appliances used in the room where the power has been cut off, and pull out plugs from electrical outlets to reduce the number of electrical appliances in use.
3. The power will be on after turning on the safety breakers.


In case of earthquake, fire, or natural disaster such as typhoon
 
Make sure you switch off electrical appliances and pull out plugs from electrical outlets. When you evacuate, make sure you turn off the main breaker to prevent some lights left on.

* If you have any other questions, please contact the electrical power company in your area. (Reference: Kansai Electric Power Co., Ltd., "Guide to Electricity")
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