Safe Wiring With GFCIs

Whenever a customer asks me to defend the need for GFCIs (ground-fault circuit interrupters), I recount the old movie scene where the radio falls (or is thrown) into a water-filled bathtub, swiftly electrocuting the unfortunate bather. I then explain that if the radio had been plugged into a GFCI receptacle, the bather would still be alive. This leads us to the ultimate purpose of GFCIs — the protection of life. Do GFCIs work? Absolutely. These devices have saved countless lives and provide much needed protection for the tradesman and homeowner. If you are ever unlucky enough to receive an electrical shock, but lucky enough to have a GFCI in the line, it will feel like you’re being stuck with a needle,