The U.S. Department of Commerce estimates that home fires caused by electrical system problems cause 350 deaths and $700 billion in property damage annually.
To help keep your family safe from electrical system home fires there are a few important steps to take. In addition to covering unused electrical outlets with child-proof outlet covers, replacing frayed or damaged electrical cords and avoiding overloading outlets and extension cords, you should also make sure you have Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) professionally installed in your home for full electrical safety.
But what exactly are Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs)? Any why do you need them in your home?
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters are inexpensive electrical devices that can be installed on household circuits. GFCIs can protect you from severe and even fatal electric shock by detecting ground faults. They can also prevent some electrical fires and reduce the severity of others by interrupting the flow of electric current. In short, GFCIs are ideal to ensure electrical safety at home.
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) can sense when currents are not flowing properly through outlets to electrical devices. As soon as a GFCI senses an imbalance in the amount of current flowing through an outlet it trips the circuit (in as quickly as one-tenth of a second.)
You should always make sure that Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) are properly installed in rooms where water is present such as kitchens, bathrooms and laundry rooms. In fact, the U.S. National Electric Code requires GFCIs for underwater swimming pool lights, construction sites, garages, bathrooms and some outdoor areas.
*Content expressed in Home Security Source does not represent the thoughts and opinions of ADT Security Services, Inc. unless explicitly indicated.