Safety First – August 2025
Electricity powers modern life, but it can be dangerous if not handled carefully. Check back here each month for new tips on how to stay safe around electric power at your home or business.
Do you know the name and purpose of those outlets in your home with the “test” and “reset” buttons? If so, congratulations! If not, here’s the scoop:
- The outlet with buttons in kitchens and bathrooms is a GFCI, which stands for ground fault circuit interrupter. These outlets protect against electric shock in areas where water and electricity can come into contact with each other.
- A GFCI outlet quickly shuts off electricity when a ground fault is detected. Since the introduction of GFCIs, there has been an 80% drop in the number of electrocutions and a 93% drop in the number of consumer product electrocutions, according to Electrical Safety Foundation International.
- A GFCI outlet quickly shuts off electricity when a ground fault is detected. Since the introduction of GFCIs, there has been an 80% drop in the number of electrocutions and a 93% drop in the number of consumer product electrocutions, according to Electrical Safety Foundation International.
- It is important to test these special outlets monthly. Simply plug in any small device that emits light and press the “test” button. If the device turns off, the outlet is working correctly. Pressing “reset” should turn the device back on. If not, the outlet should be replaced.
To learn more about building safe electric habits, click the Outages & Safety tab on the SVEC website, and follow us on social media.
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