Summertime increases
the demand for electricity and raises the risk of fire in homes with
older or damaged wiring systems. Air conditioning equipment,
electric grills, and attic fans are some of the seasonal appliances
that can place added stress and strain on a home's electrical wiring
and cause a potentially tragic fire.
GFCI Check
(Arlington, Va.)When did you last test your ground fault circuit
interrupter? If you can't recall, the Electrical Safety Foundation
International (ESFI) reminds consumers that it's a good idea to do
so at least once a month and after electrical storms.
Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) are electrical safety
devices that trip electrical circuits when they detect leakage
currents. A GFCI can be an electrical receptacle, circuit breaker,
or portable device. They are especially useful for cord-connected
appliances and equipment are used outdoors or near water.
“ Power surges and electrical storms may damage GFCIs, preventing
them from working properly,” noted Anne Mayberry, ESFI Program
Manager. “Regularly testing GFCIs is a good safety practice.”
The GFCI test is simple. Plug a nightlight into a GFCI-protected
outlet and turn it on. Press the "TEST" button; the light should
turn off. Press the "RESET" button; the light should turn on. If the
light does not go out when the "TEST" button is pressed, discontinue
use of this circuit and contact a qualified electrician to correct
the problem.
Leakage currents occur when an electrical appliance is damaged or
the electrical parts are wet and electrical current flows outside of
the circuit conductors. If a person becomes part of the path for the
leakage current, he or she will be shocked or electrocuted. GFCIs
look for very small leakage currents and act quickly to shut off the
circuit after detecting them. By interrupting the flow of
electricity, GFCIs may prevent serious injury or death.
For more information on GFCIs and electrical safety, visit the ESFI
website, www.electrical-safety.org or telephone, 703-841-3229.