GFCI's

              A Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (sometimes called GFI or GFCI) is a receptacle or circuit breaker that has the ability to disconnect electrical power from the receptacle. Generally, GFCI outlets are installed within six feet of a sink, in bathrooms, in garages, and at exterior locations. If an outlet can be reached from a water source, a wet area, or an earth ground, you should use GFCI protection. Some motors have sufficient electrical losses to cause a GFCI to trip, so GFCI circuits generally should not be used for appliances with motors, such as refrigerators, dishwashers, disposals, etc. The GFCI works by sensing a difference in the flow of current from the hot wire through the neutral. If that difference is about 5 milliamps or more, the circuit will trip, or disconnect. The GFCI actually assumes that if the current is not flowing in the neutral, it is flowing through something else, quite often a person. A GFCI has a line side (incoming power) and a load side (outgoing power). The receptacle will not work if the incoming power is connected to the load side of the receptacle. Connect the incoming power to the line marked terminals and the continuation of the circuit (the next outlet) to the load terminals. The one GFCI will protect all of the following outlets connected in this way. Even if you don’t have a continuation of the circuit, connect the power to the line side of the receptacle. GFCI outlets typically have a test button that should cause the circuit to trip. Operate the test button after installation and regularly thereafter to be sure it works properly.