Thursday, April 18, 2013

Stay safe - Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI)

GFCI Receptacle

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters are safety features in your home electrical system.  These outlets and devices reduce the risk of severe or fatal electric shock by monitoring for electrical current loss/leaks or "ground faults". If the outlet notices a leak (this is measured by 6 milliamps or more of the electrical current leaving the device is not returning), they are designed to shut off the electricity to protect you from being electrocuted. By detecting dangerous current flow and instantly shutting off power, ground fault circuit interrupters save hundreds of lives every year. 



Where to use them
 
Anywhere close to water. They are typically near kitchen sinks, in bathrooms near sinks, tubs, whirlpool and showers, exterior outlets, garages, hot tubs and near laundry tubs.

Where not to use them

Some areas that you may not want a GFCI are: sump pump, freezer, fridge and sewage ejector. If the GFCI trips, it could have costly impacts to your home, especially a sump pump.

Different Types of GFCIs

GFCIs can be special breakers in your electrical panel (look for a Test button) or special receptacles (outlets) with Test and Reset buttons. Often you can find the letters “GFI” or “GFCI” on them.

• Circuit Breaker: A circuit breaker ground fault circuit interrupter is installed in the electrical  panel box. This not only allows the GFCI to protect selected circuits that may encounter a ‘ground-fault,’ but it will also trip when there is an electric short or overload. GFCI circuit breakers feature a "test" button on the front that you can use to test that it's working properly. This is the same sort of feature you find on GFCI receptacles (see below). After you press the "test" button you will have to reset the breaker to turn the circuit back on. The curly white wire pre-attached to a GFCI breaker must be tied into your breaker panel neutral bar when installed by a qualified electrical contractor. Note: When you test, this will disconnect the power to everything on that circuit until you reset the breaker.

GFCI Circuit Breaker


• Receptacle: This is the most common type used in homes. This type of GFCI fits into a standard outlet box and protects against ‘ground faults.’ This ensures that any electrical device plugged into an outlet is protected from "ground faults".

 


• Portable: Portable GFC interrupters can be plugged into an outlet and in turn, the electrical device is plugged into the GFCI. This adds extra protection to plugged in devices when a circuit breaker or receptacle circuit GFCI is not in use. Keep in mind that portable GFCIs should only be used on a temporary basis and should be tested prior to use.


How to Test




Method 1: Circuit tester To test the GFCI with a circuit tester, plug in the tester and push its test button. If the power goes off, the GFCI is working. Press the GFCI reset button to restore power. If the power doesn't go off, the GFCI should be replaced.
 

Method 2: Press the reset button Push its test button. If the power goes off, the GFCI is working. Press the GFCI reset button to restore power. If the power doesn't go off, the GFCI should be replaced. Note: The reset button alone won't tell you if a pre-2006 GFCI outlet is still working properly - you'll need to check it with method 1.


Test once a month and after thunderstorms.

When to replace

When older units are tripping often or when the test fails. A reliable way to check an older GFCI is to use a circuit tester that has its own GFCI test button (sold at many DYI centers and hardware stores).  GFCIs can fail or become damaged and cease to function correctly. GFCIs devices can be damaged by lightning or electrical surges

All GFCIs manufactured after mid-2006 are designed to tell you when they fail. The vast majority indicate failure by shutting off power permanently. So someday your GFCI (and any other outlets connected to it) may simply stop delivering power and the GFCI will need to be replaced.

References



 
http://www.cpsc.gov/Regulations-Laws--Standards/Voluntary-Standards/Topics/Ground-Fault-Circuit-Interrupters/

http://www.ul.com/global/eng/pages/offerings/perspectives/consumer/productsafety/groundfault/

http://www.esasafe.com/GeneralPublic/est_001.php?s=16#4

Monday, April 1, 2013

Spring tip #10 - Watch those foundation Cracks

As mentioned in the Spring Maintenance tips, cracks in your foundation walls are easy spots for water to enter your home . Monitoring the condition of the cracks is necessary to prevent water from entering the basement. Minor cracks may seem harmless, but they can quickly become problems and can result in high repair costs. Larger cracks should be assessed and repaired as required by a professional.

Inspected by 42 Home Inspections - foundation crack
 
Inspected by 42 Home Inspections - foundation crack

Inspected by 42 Home Inspections - foundation crack







If you discover minor cracks on your foundation walls, you could be in danger of your basement leaking. Here are a few things you can do to:

  • Inspect your foundation often and call a professional if the gap is larger or appears to be growing in size.
     
  • Inspect your downspouts and extensions.  Make sure your downspout extensions will direct the water from your roof (4-6 feet) to the lawn and not along the side of your home near the foundation. When the water is being absorbed by the grass, it reduces the amount of water trying to penetrate through the foundation. 

  • Add downspout extensions

  • Make sure the water from your downspouts is draining on to your own property, not on to your neighbours or City owned property
     
  • Maintain proper lot grading.  Always slope the landscaping along the side of your home towards the lawn or away from the foundation, that way there is less water trying to enter the cracks in the foundation.
  • Maintaining/replacing the weeping tiles is another way you can deter water from entering the basement through the cracks.  Mind you this is not an expensive task. 

The best method of defence to a leaking foundation is to properly seal or repair the cracks. This will greatly reduce the amount of water that may enter the basement.

Other Resources:

http://www.nationalpost.com/Mike+Holmes+Cracks+shrinkage/3316106/story.html - Horizontal cracks

http://www.crackbuster.ca/articles3/types-of-foundation-cracks/ - Types of foundation cracks

http://realestate.msn.com/is-that-crack-serious-foundation-issues-101 - foundation cracks 101

http://inspectapedia.com/structure/FoundationCracks.htm - diagnose foundation cracks



Inspected by 42 Home Inspections - Kanata and Ottawa surrounding area