 |  |
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI)
Since the 1970s, ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) have saved thousands of lives and have helped cut the number of home
electrocutions in half.
GFCIs are electrical safety devices that trip electrical circuits when they detect ground faults or leakage currents. A person who
becomes part of a path for leakage current will be severely shocked or electrocuted. These outlets prevent deadly shock by quickly
shutting off power to the circuit if the electricity flowing into the circuit differs by even a slight amount from that returning.
A GFCI should be used in any indoor or outdoor area where water may come into contact with electrical products. The 2008 edition of
the National Electrical Code currently requires that GFCIs be used in all kitchens, bathrooms, garages, and outdoors. GFCIs should be
tested once a month to confirm that they are working properly.
Testing Your GFCI
GFCIs should be tested once a month to make sure they are working properly.
To test your GFCI:
does not offer shock protection.
Contact a licensed electrician to check the GFCI and correct the problem.
Portable GFCI
While most GFCIs are outlets, a portable GFCI requires no special knowledge or equipment to install. One type is simply an extension
cord combined with a GFCI. It adds flexibility in using receptacles that are not protected by GFCIs. Portable GFCIs should only be used
on a temporary basis and should be tested prior to every use.
Since the 1970s, ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) have saved thousands of lives and have helped cut the number of home
electrocutions in half.
GFCIs are electrical safety devices that trip electrical circuits when they detect ground faults or leakage currents. A person who
becomes part of a path for leakage current will be severely shocked or electrocuted. These outlets prevent deadly shock by quickly
shutting off power to the circuit if the electricity flowing into the circuit differs by even a slight amount from that returning.
A GFCI should be used in any indoor or outdoor area where water may come into contact with electrical products. The 2008 edition of
the National Electrical Code currently requires that GFCIs be used in all kitchens, bathrooms, garages, and outdoors. GFCIs should be
tested once a month to confirm that they are working properly.
Testing Your GFCI
GFCIs should be tested once a month to make sure they are working properly.
To test your GFCI:
- Push the “reset” button on the GFCI to prepare the outlet for testing.
- Plug in an ordinary nightlight into the GFCI and turn it ON. The light should now be on.
- Push the “test” button of the GFCI. The nightlight should turn OFF.
- Push the “reset” button again. The nightlight should now go ON again.
does not offer shock protection.
Contact a licensed electrician to check the GFCI and correct the problem.
Portable GFCI
While most GFCIs are outlets, a portable GFCI requires no special knowledge or equipment to install. One type is simply an extension
cord combined with a GFCI. It adds flexibility in using receptacles that are not protected by GFCIs. Portable GFCIs should only be used
on a temporary basis and should be tested prior to every use.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
