(NAPSA)—When did you last test your ground fault circuit interrupter? If you can’t recall, the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) suggests it’s a good idea to do so at least once a month andafter 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 that is used outdoors or near water. “Power surges and electrical storms may damage GFCIs, pre- venting them from working prop- erly,” noted Anne Mayberry, ESFI Program Manager. “Regularly testing GFCIsis a good safety practice.” The GFCItest is simple. Plug a night-light 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 cor- TSOOSS rect 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 Web site, www.electrical- safety.org, or telephone 703-8413229.
