Gift Buying: Thinking Outside the Box
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Gift Buying: Thinking Outside the Box

I know the frustration of trying to find a gift for somebody who seems to have everything. What finally helped me take the angst out of gift buying was starting to think outside the box. Since then, it seems to be easier to find something that my loved one will like, whatever the occasion. These days, I look in unusual places for gift ideas. Instead of retail shops, I see what is happening at local auction houses. I may look into getting my loved one something they've expressed an interest in recently, like taking guitar lessons. I may even surprise my friend with a visit from a chef who prepares a special meal just for him or her. If you have the gift buying blues, let me help. I'll provide some tips on how to get clues for wonderful presents that will delight and amaze your loved ones.

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Gift Buying: Thinking Outside the Box

What A GFCI Power Cord Does And The Types You Can Buy

Peggy Lee

When you're using an electrical tool or appliance in an area where water might be present, it should be plugged into a GFCI outlet. Ground fault circuit interrupter outlets are placed in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms for this reason. They help protect you from electrical shock. If you need to work in an area where no GFCI outlet is present, you can use a power cord that has an inline GFCI so you stay safe. Here's how a ground fault circuit interrupter works and your options when buying one inline on a power cord.

The Purpose Of Ground Fault Circuit Interruption

If you're wet or standing in water when you use an electrical device, your risk of shock is greater. Electricity always seeks a path to the ground and it can possibly do that by going through your body. This can cause burns or even death. A GFCI device is able to sense when electricity strays from the circuit. It picks up on a very small fluctuation and then quickly shuts down the flow of electricity to stop you from being electrocuted. GFCI protection can save your life. It's important to use them in wet rooms of your house and to use an inline GFCI when an outlet isn't available.

Options In Inline GFCI Protection

Power cords with inline GFCI come in different lengths and amps. It's important to match the amps with the amps of the tools you'll be using. If you plan to use the cord outside, then buy one that is rated for outdoor use that is rainproof. The cords can be very short and act like an outlet, or they can be several feet long so you can use the GFCI cord for mowing and working outdoors. They have an indicator light and test button you'll use often. While it's usual procedure to test a GFCI outlet indoors once a month, you should test an inline GFCI power cord every time you use it.

Do this by pressing the test button to verify the power shuts off and then pressing the reset button to restore power. Some cords require you to reset them each time you plug the cord in so you don't forget. The cord may also need to be reset after a power failure, but some cords can reset automatically. You can buy GFCI power cords with multiple outlets so you can plug in two or three tools at once. Be sure you don't exceed the amp rating by adding the amp of the tools and comparing the total to the rating of the power cord.

Using a GFCI power cord helps keep you safe when working in areas where the cord or you might get wet, such as mowing through wet grass or working with power tools in your garage. You should always use safety precautions when working with electrical devices, such as making sure the electricity is grounded, and using ground fault protection when necessary. It could save you from making a trip to the hospital and suffering from a serious injury. The right product, like cord adapters by Americord, improves safety.


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