An Electrifying Experience (Sept. 5, 2013)

Matt was working on the electrical outlet in the galley (i.e., the kitchen) to make it GFCI (GFCI stands for Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter – it’s an electrical device that detects hazardous ground faults and quickly disconnects power from the circuit. And no, I had no idea what it stood for or what it did and just had to look it up online). All I really knew what that Matt was doing something to the electrical outlet. During this time, Joshua was doing artwork, Malachi was making a hammock for his stuffed animals, and I was getting things together to go do laundry. All of a sudden, Matt lets out a yell. “Oh my gosh, did you get shocked?” I asked. The boys stared open-mouthed. Once Matt recovered, he said that he had turned off the port-side lights and didn’t understand why the power was still connected. I looked at the instrument panel and said, “This is true but the ‘outlets’ switch is still on – and you are working on an outlet, not a light.” Matt paused to consider this and then looked at me and said, “You know that I’m an electrical engineer from Virginia Tech, don’t you?” “Yep,” I nodded as I reached for the camera. “You’re going to post this on the blog, aren’t you?” he asked. I laughed and said, “Smile for the camera, honey.” Click!

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