Since their introduction in to the National Electrical Code in the 1970s, ground fault circuit interrupters have saved thousands of lives. The Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that 50% of home electrocutions have been prevented by the introduction of GFCIs.
The Electrical Safety Foundation International wants you to make sure your home is properly protected against ground faults with the correct installation of GFCIs. GFCI protection is required for outlets installed in:
- Bathrooms
- Garages
- Outdoors
- Balconies, desks, and porches
- Kitchen countertops
- Within 6 feet of a sink
- Laundry areas
- Within 6 feet of a bathtub or shower.
How to test a GFCI:
- Push the RESET button
- Plug in a nightlight or similar device
- The nightlight should be ON
- Press the TEST button on the GFCI
- The nightlight should turn OFF
- Push the RESET button again
- The nightlight should turn ON
- If the device does not turn on, contact a qualified electrician to inspect the outlet
Click here for more information about Electrical Safety Month.
