In this video, master electrician Scott Caron shares tips for preventing shocks and electrocution with Kevin O’Connor.
How electrical circuit breakers and GFCIs work
- Circuit breakers protect a home’s electrical system from an overload or short circuit.
- An overloaded circuit is caused when too much electricity is drawn from a single circuit.
- A short often occurs when a live wire is accidentally cut or damaged.
- When a breaker senses an overload or short, it trips, cutting off power to that circuit.
- To reset a tripped breaker, first switch it to the off position, then flip it on.
- An arc-fault circuit interrupter protects against overloads and shorts, but also against small sparks or arcs that occur from a worn, damaged wire.
- Ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) are installed in damp locations, such as baths, kitchens, outdoors, basements and garages.
- GFCI protect against ground faults, which occurs whenever electricity travels the path of ground. These devices prevent electrical shock should someone come in contact with a live circuit while wet or in a damp environment.
- GFCI-protection is available in electrical receptacles, breakers or extension cords.
