QUESTION "Can you explain the importance of having GFCI's (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters) in certain areas of our home?"

ANSWER

A ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) is an electrical device, either a receptacle or circuit breaker, which is designed to protect people from electric shock in a wet or damp environment. GFCI protection should not be confused with grounding. Even if a system is properly grounded, minor faults in a circuit can cause a dangerous shock to a person using an appliance in a damp location or near water.

The GFCI senses the flow of electricity through a circuit. If more current is flowing through the black, or hot wire than the white or neutral wire, there is a current leakage (a "ground fault"). The GFCI can detect a leakage as little as five thousands of an amp (.005 amps), which will shut off the current in 1/40 of a second to prevent
injury.

WHERE TO LOOK FOR GFCI PROTECTION:

all outdoor receptacles that are within six feet of the ground
receptacles at hot tubs, spas and around swimming pools
receptacles and supplies for fountain or pool pumps and related equipment
all bathroom receptacles
receptacles within six feet of the kitchen sink, wet bars and laundry tubs
at least one receptacle in the basement and crawl spaces
all receptacles in the garage (except one marked for freezer)
all lighting in high-risk areas such as wet bars, bathtubs, spas, saunas, or showers

If you have GFCI's, it is recommended that you test (and reset) them monthly. On a GFCI receptacle when you push the TEST button, the RESET button should pop out, hence shutting off the circuit.

However, failure of the GFCI to trip in response to its own TEST button mayor may not indicate a real defect. There may be an absence of ground, and the TEST button does nothing. The absence of ground has no effect on the operation of the GFCI. The device should work if there is a real short to ground. That is why a GFCI receptacle. should be used in the areas listed above if you currently have KNOB and TUBE wiring, which is an ungrounded circuit.

For such installations, GFCI receptacles should also be tested with a GFCI tester/analyzer for added assurance. These are available at your local hardware stores. There is a button on the tester that should trip the circuit within a couple of seconds and the RESET button should pop out. If the RESET button pops out when the TEST button is pressed on the receptacle, but not when the tester/analyzer is used, there is a defect with the receptacle. Use your tester to be sure that the power is off.

The same procedure should be done with a GFCI breaker. The GFCI will be located in the distribution or service panel. The breaker can be identified by a TEST button in addition to the breaker switch. Press the TEST button and the breaker switch should trip. Switch the breaker back to the ON position. Do this once a month - breakers have a tendency to stick, and may not protect you when needed.

If you have a GFCI breaker you should also use a GFCI tester/analyzer to test the receptacles in the vulnerable areas listed above. Note that the receptacle may appear like a normal receptacle without any TEST or RESET buttons, but may be protected in the circuit by the GFCI breaker. Remember to reset the breaker to the ON position after the tester/analyzer has tripped the breaker.

If your house does not have GFCI protection, an electrician can add it. This is an important safety improvement. Electrical wiring and device installation should be handled by a licensed electrician.

For further information contact your local public utilities office or a licensed electrician.

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