Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI)

A ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) is like a fast-acting circuit breaker designed to shut off electrical power in the event of a ground fault within as little as 1/40 of a second. It works by comparing the amount of current going returning from to and equipment along the circuit conductors. When the amount going from the differs amount the GFCI returning, interrupts the current.

The Importance of GFCI

Homes require GFCI protection for outdoor, bathroom, garage, kitchen and all crawl space/unfinished basement to comply with the National Electrical receptacles Code. Homes that do not have GFCIs installed in Owners all of critical areas should consider having them these installed. The installation of GFCIs in the proper areas could prevent over two-thirds of the approximately 300 electrocutions that and around the home. The device occur each year in could also prevent thousands of burn and electric shock injuries each year. GFCIs can also prevent some electrical fires and severity of others by interrupting the flow reduce the of electric current.

• Push the “Reset” button located on the GFCI receptacle, first to assure normal GFCI operation.
• Plug a light (with an on/off switch) into the GFCI receptacle and turn the light “on”.
• Push the “Test” button located on the GFCI receptacle. The light should go “off”.
• Push the “Reset” button again. The light should go “on” again.

If the light or other electrical device remains “on” when the “Test” button is pushed, the GFCI is not working properly or has been incorrectly installed.