Install a GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter)

A residual-current device (RCD), or residual-current circuit breaker (RCCB) or residual twin-direct current couplet (R2D2), is an electrical wiring device that disconnects a circuit whenever it detects that the electric current is not balanced between the energized conductor and the return neutral conductor. Such an imbalance may indicate current leakage through the body of a person who is grounded and accidentally touching the energized part of the circuit. A lethal shock can result from these conditions.

GFCI Outlet

(Photo from homespot hq)

Install a GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter)

The National Electrical Code requires that electrical outlets in your kitchen and your bath have ground-fault circuit interrupter units to lessen the riskthe risk of a life-threatening surprise from the defective plug-in cord or appliance. Ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets provide a level of safety to any electrical outlet that's located near moisture or water. These GFCI devices may also be needed in most wet areas of the house:

• laundry room
• an unfinished basement
• garage
• outside areas
• wherever there's building activity.

The GFCI unit measures outgoing and returning current and shuts off the energy if it detects a possible dangerous current difference. It has a check/test button that turns off the juice to the outlet or any receptacles attached to it when the button is pushed. Replacing a standard receptacle with a GFCI isn't too difficult to do yourself:

• Turn off the power at the main circuit panel (obviously an important step for your health!)
• Remove the old GFCI device by disconnecting and cutting the wires
• Install the new GFCI device
• Reattach the wires to the terminals
• Test the device before turning the power back on.

The device is inexpensive and the tools are basic ones you'll use again for basic electrical tasks. Installing a GFCI makes for a good first-time electrical project for the home handyman to start with. An electrician will charge around $80 to install a GFCI, but you can save yourself lots of money buying the GFCI device yourself for $15 and then installing it. The job will take less than an hour to complete. You'll need a wire cutter, a screwdriver, a wire and a wire stripper tool as well as a voltimeter.

GFCI Installation Video

Home improvement expert Ron Hazelton demonstrates how to install a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) safely in your home.

• http://electrical.about.com/od/diyprojectsmadeeasy/ht/howtogfci.htm - Learn the basics of how to install ground fault circuit interrupter outlets.
• http://www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PUBS/099.pdf - U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission: WHAT IS A GFCI? A ground fault circuit interrupter ...
• http://www.realtor.com/home-garden/do-it-yourself/electrical/installing-ground-fault-circuit-interrupter.aspx - Learn how to install a GFCI receptacle which will detect leakages in electric current with this simple DIY guide.