NAPS)-If an inexpensive electrical device were installed in every U.S. household, nearly 70 percent of the approximately 330 electrocutions that occur each year in the home could be prevented according to the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI). This life-saving device is a ground fault circuit interrupter, known as a GFCI.

• GFCIs are products designed to prevent serious injury or death from electrical shock by detecting ground faults at very low levels.
• A GFCI should be used in any area where water may come in contact with electrical products. GFCIs are now required by code in certain areas of the home, including unfinished basements, kitchens, bathrooms, garages, crawl spaces and around swimming pools.
• If a GFCI senses minimal current leakage to ground in an electrical circuit, it assumes a ground fault has occurred. It then interrupts power fast enough to prevent serious injury from electrical shock.
• Three types of GFCIs are designed for home use-wall receptacle, circuit breaker and portable plug-in. All three are readily available, inexpensive and fairly simple to install.

For more information, send a 60¢ stamped, self-addressed No. 10 (business size) envelope to Electrical Safety Foundation International, 1300 North 17th St., #1847, Rosslyn, VA 22209.