Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI)
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) have saved thousands of lives and have helped cut the number of home electrocutions in half. This technology helps protect you from this shocking hazard. In fact, Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters have been providing this type of protection to consumers since the early 1970s. One of the most basic principles of electricity is that water and electricity don’t mix!
GFCIs trip electrical circuits when they detect ground faults or leakage currents. A person who becomes part of a path of leakage current will be severely shocked or even electrocuted. These GFCI 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 electrical products may be exposed to water. The National Electrical Code currently requires that GFCIs be used in all kitchens, bathrooms, garages, and outdoors.
It is highly recommended you test your GCFCI’s at least once every few months.
How to Test a GFCI Outlet
1. Push the RESET button.
2. Plug in a nightlight or similar device.
3. The nightlight should be ON.
4. Press the TEST button.
5. The nightlight should turn OFF.
6. Push the RESET button again.
7. The nightlight should turn back ON.
8. If the nightlight did not turn OFF, the GFCI is not working properly.