Electrical Safety > Grounding

A good ground connection is essential to the safe and reliable operation of any piece of electrical equipment. Electrical grounding ensures that if there is ever a short circuit on a piece of electrical equipment, current will flow through the ground system and trip a breaker or blow a fuse.
A grounded outlet has three holes for each plug. In a properly wired outlet, the rounded slot is the ground connection. A grounded outlet must be used correctly:

• Never cut off the third grounding prong on an appliance plug.
• Don’t try to install a grounded outlet in an ungrounded outlet box.
• Use “cheater” adapter plugs only on a temporary basis. Use ony if the outlet box is grounded, and make sure the small metal circle or the pigtail adapter contacts the screw in the middle of the outlet.

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupt

For an added measure of protection, outlets near water sources, like sinks and laundry appliances, as well as all garage and outdoor outlets, should have a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI). These are the outlets with the “test” and “reset” buttons.

A GFCI works by monitoring the flow of electricity through the outlet’s circuit. If there is any variation in the current, the GFCI will automatically cut off the flow of electricity, preventing injury. According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission, if every household used GFCIs, deaths from electrocution in and around the home could be reduced by 50 percent.

There are four types of GFCIs:

• “Whole-house” devices for circuit panels that protect against external power surges. These should be installed only by a certified electrician.
• Whole circuit devices for circuit panels, that are used in place of circuit breakers. These should be installed only by a certified electrician.
• Receptacle-based protectors that replace standard wall outlets. You can install these yourself by carefully following manufacturer’s instructions.
• “Portable” units that simply plug into a wall outlet. Any homeowner can use this type.

GFCIs should be tested every month. Plug a lamp or radio into a GFCI outlet and turn it on. Push the “test” button on the outlet; the lamp or radio should turn off immediately. If it doesn’t, the GFCI has been wired improperly or is no longer functioning.

GFCIs are inexpensive and provide the best protection against electrical hazards, and we strongly recommend using them in your home. But remember, even the best GFCI can’t offer 100% protection, so never forget other electrical safety rules.