Important facts about grounding

The nature of electricity is to always find the easiest path to ground. See that fat, round third prong? It automatically makes an easier path to ground and prevents accidents. Never disable safety by cutting off the third prong.

Most modern appliances come with grounding plugs.
Use them in three-prong outlets, especially around areas where moisture builds up, like cellars, garages and outdoors. Expensive electronics also need a three-prong outlet to protect them from power surges.

One of the most crucial home safety devices is almost impossible to find. It doesn't stand out -- in fact, it doesn't do anything until there's a problem, one that's usually far, far away from your house.

This safety device is the electrical grounding wire. It prevents shock, fire and damage during a major power surge, such as a lightning strike on a substation.

Grounding wires run from your meter to underground rods or to copper water pipes. Grounding wires can become corroded or damaged. As your yard settles, your lawn mower may have hit
a grounding connection without your even knowing it.

Grounding wires are inexpensive to replace. If your home is over ten years old, call an electrician to have your grounding wire checked or replaced.

Be sure to check that Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) are installed in your kitchen and bathroom outlets.

In compliance with the National Electric Code, GFCI outlets must be installed in any area where electricity and water may come into contact, including basements, attached garages and outdoors. In case of an accident, the GFCI can cut off the power source in less than a second, preventing electrocution. Call an electrician to install GFCI outlets in these areas of your home.