Electric Shock Injuries

The article on ground fault circuit interrupters (“How to Protect Against Electric Shock Injuries,” by A. J. Hand, July 9) omits the requirement for new residences to have ground fault protected receptacles within 6 feet of the kitchen sink.

The story’s (statement requiring) the laundry outlet to be a GFCI is in error. While these outlets certainly will provide protection, they do cause nuisance trips when an inductive load such as a motor is connected to them. These trips increase as the length of the cord serving the machine increases.

I have always advised homeowners to run a separate wire from the frame of the washer to the cold water line. This is an inexpensive safety measure. A suitable clamp can be bought at most hardware stores for less than 50 cents. Another 50 cents worth of a No. 14 wire will complete the project.

ERIC DAVID

Long Beach

David is a certified electrical inspector.