EasyHeat 11001-118 Manuel Du Propriétaire page 5

About GFCIs (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters)
Why is a GFCI important?
A GFCI protects against electrocution and fire due to a damaged or improperly installed cable; a circuit breaker or
fuse does not provide the same protection. If a GFCI detects electrical current escaping from the circuit, it trips,
shutting off power until it is reset.
How do I know if I have a GFCI?
Some GFCI receptacles are easy to identify—many have TEST and RESET buttons. However, other
receptacles may also have GFCI protection even without the TEST and RESET buttons. For example, a
receptacle that is on the same circuit as a GFCI receptacle but further "downstream" is also protected.
These "downstream" receptacles may have a sticker indicating that they are GFCI protected, but many
don't.
If you have a manufactured home built before 2014, its "heat tape receptacle" was NOT GFCI protected when
originally built. The heat tape receptacle of a manufactured home built after January 2015 should be GFCI protected,
often on the same circuit as a bathroom.
If you are not sure whether the receptacle is GFCI protected, you can:
• use a GFCI tester (available at hardware stores and online for under $10),
• see whether it is on the same circuit as a GFCI protected receptacle by plugging in a lamp and pressing the TEST
button on the GFCI receptacle,
• call an electrician, or
• use a portable GFCI protected cord (note that if a GFCI protected cord is plugged into a GFCI protected
receptacle, other receptacles on the circuit will continue to work if the cord's GFCI trips).
How do I know the GFCI is working properly?
GFCIs are equipped with a TEST button. When the button is pressed, the GFCI should turn off power. Press RESET to
restore power. See the GFCI manufacturer's instructions for complete testing instructions and schedule.
Owner's Manual 5