Safety Tip of the Week – Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI)

What is the most common electrical shock hazard? Answer: Ground Faults

Ground Faults

Ground faults can cause severe electrical shock or electrocution.

During normal conditions, electricity runs in a closed circuit.

Electricity flows out on the “hot” wire and returns on the “neutral” wire, completing the circuit.

Ground faults occur when electrical current does not complete its circuit and flows to the ground. Ground faults can cause fires and are dangerous when they flow through a person to the ground.

Ground fault shock happens when a person comes into contact with the “hot” side of an electrical circuit (example, with wet hands or while standing in water or on a wet floor).

Remember:

• Install GFCI protection on all temporary wiring.
• Do not let anyone tamper with or by-pass the GFCI unit.
• Minimize nuisance tripping, keep cords out of water and use watertight or seal connectors where possible.
• Place GFCIs as close to the power source as possible.
• Test GFCI before use.

PROTECT YOURSELF FROM ELECTRICAL SHOCKS…USE SAFE EQUIPMENT!