Use a Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupter With Electric Heaters in the Bathroom

Consumer Product Safety Commission

Use a Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupter With Electric Heaters in the Bathroom

CPSC Document #5038
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends the use of a ground-fault circuit-interrupter (GFCI) to protect against electrical shock hazards when electric heaters are used in bathrooms. CPSC knows of seven electrocution deaths since 1985 in which electric heaters fell into bathtubs and killed people. Electricity and water do not mix - consumers should keep electric heaters away from water. Most of these deaths could have been prevented by the use of a GFCI.

GFCls are the most effective means for protecting consumers against electrical shock.

A GFCI constantly monitors current flowing in a circuit to sense any loss of current. If the current flowing through two circuit conductors differs by a very small amount, the GFCI instantly interrupts the current flow to prevent a lethal amount of electricity from reaching the consumer. The consumer may feel a painful shock but will not be electrocuted.

Since 1973, homes built according to the National Electrical Code have varying degrees of GFCI protection GFCls were first required in outdoor receptacles in 1973, in bathroom receptacles in 1975, in garage wall receptacles in 1978, in some kitchen receptacles in 1987, and in all receptacles in unfinished basements and crawl spaces in 1990.

Heater on Chair About to Fall into Bathtub 		Three common types of GFCIs are available for home use circuit breakers, receptacles and portable plug-ins. Circuit breaker GFCIs require installation by an electrician. Receptacle GFCIs can be installed by consumers with knowledge of electrical wiring practices. Portable plug-in GFCIs require no special knowledge to install. They plug into wall receptacles; electrical appliances are then plugged into them. Portable plug-in GFCls are generally priced below $30 and are available at hardware stores, building supply centers, and electrical supply houses.

If you are considering the purchase of a heater and intend to use it in a bathroom, laundry area or similar indoor locations, look for models now specifically designed and certified by an independent testing laboratory for such uses. Even though such products are provided with built-in protection, never place your heater where it could easily fall into water.


Different GFCIs


ELECTROCUTION HAZARD

  • Keep electric heaters away from water.

  • To prevent electrocution, use a GFCI whenever you use a electric heater in the bathroom.




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