Government safety experts say an inexpensive device installed in the home electrical wiring system could save some 200 American from being electrocuted this year.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the device - a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protects people from electric shock hazards and electrocutions. Available at building supply and hardware stores as well as electrical supply houses, the GFCI can be installed in the electrical panel box or in wall receptacles when powered tools are being used.
CPSC said GFCIs monitor electricity flowing in a circuit. If current should "leak" to ground for any reason, such as a portable electric appliance falling into a kitchen sink filled with water, the GFCI shuts down the power in milliseconds. Such quick action protects the consumer against electrical shock and burn injuries or electrocution whereas circuit breakers and fuses function primarily to prevent the home wiring system from causing a fire.
In new homes complying with the National Electrical Code, GFCI protection has been required for receptacles in bathrooms, basements, garages, outdoor outlets, and kitchen countertop receptacles within six feet of the kitchen sink. In homes built before 1973, the electrical systems can be upgraded by replacing existing circuit breakers in panel boxes with GFCI-type circuit breakers or by replacing old receptacles in outlet boxes with receptacle-type GFCIs.
Consumers may obtain a free copy of the government's fact sheet on ground-fault circuit interrupters by sending a postcard to GFCI, Washington, D.C. 20207.
About the U.S. CPSC
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risk of injury associated with the use of thousands of types of consumer products. Deaths, injuries, and property damage from consumer product-related incidents cost the nation more than $1 trillion annually. Since the CPSC was established more than 50 years ago, it has worked to ensure the safety of consumer products, which has contributed to a decline in injuries associated with these products.
Federal law prohibits any person from selling products subject to a Commission ordered recall or a voluntary recall undertaken in consultation with the CPSC.
For lifesaving information:
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