Gfi Light
Is your home electrically safe? Do you have the required GFI receptacles? Are all your switch plate covers in place? Do you have extension cords hooked to your window AC unit? You better take a good look. Your life and your families lives could depend on it.
Every year there are countless house fires and deaths due to electrical shock from faulty wiring, bad cords, lack of GFI’s and so on. There is no way that I can cover all these hazards in this short article but if we can cover just a few and make you more aware of what to look for, then this will be a great help.
One of the most common dangers I see in existing homes are missing or damaged plate covers. Switches and receptacles alike may cause a serious shock and under the right conditions even death. Plates range from a few cents to many dollars each depending on how fancy you decide to make them. Any plate is better than no plate at all. Plastic plates today sell for as little as 19 cents each. If you have little ones at home, the use of child safety plastic plugs in your outlets is another great idea. Kids love to stick things into the plug holes. A wet Popsicle stick can give a heck of a jolt to a child in a wet diaper sitting on a concrete floor.
Incorrectly sized extension cords are another hazard. Air conditioners seem to be one of the worst abuses. Do not use a lamp cord to plug in your AC. The light gauge cord will overheat and can easily start a fire. Do not put cords under the carpets. Again, the cord may overheat and start a fire even if it is the correct size. Make sure the round ground lug on your cord is in good condition and not bent or broken. Make sure there are no cuts or tears in the outside jacket of the cord. Cords placed under foot traffic or perhaps a door opening may have abrasions caused by rubbing and subsequent damage to the wires inside even though the exterior jacket is not cut. Check it out carefully.
Ground Fault receptacles (GFI’s) are now required by the National Electrical Code (NEC) in all unfinished basements, garages, exterior lights and outlets (except roof heating cables for snow), bathrooms, kitchens among other areas. New homes most often use GFI circuit breakers in the panels so there are no test buttons on the outlets themselves. Older homes usually have GFI’s that contain a red and black button for testing and activating the outlet. Push the red button once in awhile to assure the outlet is working. These outlet types have saved thousands of lives by preventing severe shocks in wet areas of the home.
An occasional check to see that panel covers are in place, outlet and switch covers are installed, electrical boxes in the basement or attic have the proper covers and other general housekeeping can provide a much safer home for yourself and your family.
Pete
Your Friendly Building Inspector
BICES-Building Inspection & Code Enforcement System Software
Pete is a 30+ year building inspector with experience in both public and private construction industries. From schools to treatment plants, from private homes and condo projects, to large residential landscaping projects, he has worked both in the building design areas and field construction in the Eastern US. In 2006 he formed along with two other building inspectors, Wagsys LLC which produced software for municipal agencies in the fields of building departments, planning boards and Zoning Boards of Appeals.
BEDROC In the GFI Studio Remaking Terrible
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ROOSTER ROCKER GFI LIGHT SWITCH PLATE $4.25 |
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Boston Red Sox Light Switch, GFI Double Plate $7.67 |
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Chicago Cubs Double Light / GFI Switch Plate Cover $7.67 |
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PILLSBURY DOUGHBOY #3 GFI LIGHT OR OUTLET SWITCH COVER $5.79 |
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SHEET MUSIC ROCKER GFI LIGHT SWITCH PLATE $4.25 |
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VICTORIAN FLORAL #2 DOUBLE GFI ROCKER LIGHT SWITCH $7.25 |
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RUBBER DUCKS #2 ROCKER GFI LIGHT SWITCH PLATE $4.25 |
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SHEET MUSIC DOUBLE GFI ROCKER LIGHT SWITCH PLATE $7.25 |
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MLB Florida Marlins Grid Single GFI Light Switch Plate $4.99 |
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PINK AND GREEN DOTS LIGHT SWITCH OR OUTLET COVER $5.79 |
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FAT CHEF #20 PLATES LIGHT SWITCH OR OUTLET COVER $5.79 |
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FAT CHEF #20 PLATES LIGHT SWITCH OR OUTLET COVER $7.19 |
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COFFEE ESPRESSO #11 PLATES LIGHT SWITCH OR OUTLET $5.79 |
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COFFEE ESPRESSO #11 PLATES LIGHT SWITCH OR OUTLET $7.19 |
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DRAGONFLY #4 LIGHT SWITCH OR OUTLET COVER $5.79 |
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DRAGONFLY #4 LIGHT SWITCH OR OUTLET COVER $7.19 |
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DRAGONFLY #4 LIGHT SWITCH OR OUTLET COVER $9.99 |
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HOME THEATER MOVIE REEL POPCORN MOVIE TICKETS LIGHT SWITCH OR OUTLET COVER $5.79 |
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HOME THEATER MOVIE REEL POPCORN MOVIE TICKETS LIGHT SWITCH OR OUTLET COVER $7.19 |
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HOME THEATER MOVIE REEL POPCORN MOVIE TICKETS LIGHT SWITCH OR OUTLET COVER $9.99 |
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VIOLIN FIDDLE MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS #1 LIGHT SWITCH OR OUTLET COVER $5.79 |
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VIOLIN FIDDLE MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS #1 LIGHT SWITCH OR OUTLET COVER $7.19 |
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VIOLIN FIDDLE MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS #1 LIGHT SWITCH OR OUTLET COVER $9.99 |
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RAGGEDY ANN AND ANDY HUGS ON WHITE #2 LIGHT SWITCH OR OUTLET COVER $5.79 |
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RAGGEDY ANN AND ANDY HUGS ON WHITE #2 LIGHT SWITCH OR OUTLET COVER $7.19 |
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RAGGEDY ANN AND ANDY HUGS ON WHITE #2 LIGHT SWITCH OR OUTLET COVER $9.99 |
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NHL Boston Bruins Double GFI Light Switch Plate Cover $7.67 |
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LEOPARD AND ZEBRA PRINT ROCKER GFI LIGHT SWITCH PLATE $4.25 |
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PILLSBURY DOUGHBOY #M2 LIGHT SWITCH OR OUTLET COVER $5.79 |
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MAGNOLIA #2 ROCKER GFI LIGHT SWITCH PLATE $4.25 |
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WASHBOARD QUAD ROCKER GFI LIGHT SWITCH PLATE COVER $12.00 |
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Detroit Pistons Double Light / GFI Combo Plate Cover $7.67 |
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WINE AND CHEESE DOUBLE GFI ROCKER LIGHT SWITCH $7.25 |
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FAT CHEF WITH FRUIT ROCKER GFI LIGHT SWITCH PLATE $4.25 |
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Ocean Crab View Light Switch, GFI Double Plate $7.67 |
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VICTORIAN BATH TRIPLE ROCKER GFI LIGHT SWITCH PLATE $8.75 |
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DEER IN THE WOODS TRIPLE ROCKER GFI LIGHT SWITCH PLATE $8.75 |
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CATS, CATS, CATS TRIPLE GFI ROCKER LIGHT SWITCH PLATE $8.75 |
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CATS, CATS, CATS ROCKER GFI LIGHT SWITCH PLATE $4.25 |
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SADDLE GFI ROCKER LIGHT SWITCH PLATE $4.25 |
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Thomas the Train Double GFI Light Switch Plate Cover $7.67 |
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FAT CHEF WITH POT ROCKER GFI LIGHT SWITCH PLATE $4.25 |
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#24 Jeff Gordon GFI Light Switch Plate , Custom Made $4.49 |
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#48 Jimmie Johnson GFI Light Switch Cover, Custom Made $4.49 |
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#48 Jimmie Johnson GFI Double Light Swith, Custom Made $7.67 |
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PIRATES SKULL rocker GFI LIGHT SWITCH PLATE COVER $6.60 |
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RAINBOW TROUT FISHING #1 LIGHT SWITCH OR OUTLET COVER $5.79 |
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NEIL THE FROG RETRO 70′S SEARS FROG LIGHT SWITCH OR OUTLET COVER $5.79 |
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NEIL THE FROG RETRO 70′S SEARS FROG LIGHT SWITCH OR OUTLET COVER $7.19 |
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NEIL THE FROG RETRO 70′S SEARS FROG LIGHT SWITCH OR OUTLET COVER $9.99 |
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TOILE DARKER BLUE #2 LIGHT SWITCH OR OUTLET COVER $5.79 |
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TOILE DARKER BLUE #2 LIGHT SWITCH OR OUTLET COVER $7.19 |
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TOILE DARKER BLUE #2 LIGHT SWITCH OR OUTLET COVER $9.99 |
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New York Mets Light Switch, GFI Double Plate $7.67 |
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OWL LOVERS #1 BARN OWL HORNED OWL PLUS LIGHT SWITCH OR OUTLET COVER $5.79 |
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OWL LOVERS #1 BARN OWL HORNED OWL PLUS LIGHT SWITCH OR OUTLET COVER $7.19 |
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OWL LOVERS #1 BARN OWL HORNED OWL PLUS LIGHT SWITCH OR OUTLET COVER $9.99 |
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COFFEE GRINDER RISE AND SHINE COFFEE LIGHT SWITCH OR OUTLET COVER $5.79 |
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COFFEE GRINDER RISE AND SHINE COFFEE LIGHT SWITCH OR OUTLET COVER $7.19 |
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COFFEE GRINDER RISE AND SHINE COFFEE LIGHT SWITCH OR OUTLET COVER $9.99 |
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GIANT PANDA BEAR #6 LIGHT SWITCH OR OUTLET COVER $5.79 |
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GIANT PANDA BEAR #6 LIGHT SWITCH OR OUTLET COVER $7.19 |
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GIANT PANDA BEAR #6 LIGHT SWITCH OR OUTLET COVER $9.99 |
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COFFEE CAFE # 10 TANS BROWNS WHITE COLORS LIGHT SWITCH OR OUTLET COVER $5.79 |
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COFFEE CAFE # 10 TANS BROWNS WHITE COLORS LIGHT SWITCH OR OUTLET COVER $7.19 |
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COFFEE CAFE # 10 TANS BROWNS WHITE COLORS LIGHT SWITCH OR OUTLET COVER $9.99 |
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NHL Penguins Double GFI Light Switch Plate Cover $7.67 |
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Fish GFI Light Switch Plate Cover, Custom Made $4.49 |
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TUSCAN COFFEE CAFE LATTE MOCHA # 1 LIGHT SWITCH OR OUTLET COVER $5.79 |
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TUSCAN COFFEE CAFE LATTE MOCHA # 1 LIGHT SWITCH OR OUTLET COVER $7.19 |
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TUSCAN COFFEE CAFE LATTE MOCHA # 1 LIGHT SWITCH OR OUTLET COVER $9.99 |
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Gerber Daisy GFI Light Switch Plate, Custom Made $4.99 |
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BEAR RUSTIC CABIN #11 LIGHT SWITCH OR OUTLET COVER $5.79 |
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BEAR RUSTIC CABIN #11 LIGHT SWITCH OR OUTLET COVER $7.19 |
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MEXICAN TALAVERA TILE STYLE #4 LIGHT SWITCH OR OUTLET PLASTIC PLATES $5.79 |
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MEXICAN TALAVERA TILE STYLE #4 LIGHT SWITCH OR OUTLET PLASTIC PLATES $7.19 |
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SOUP KIDS #2 M’M M’M GOOD LIGHT SWITCH OR OUTLET COVER $5.79 |
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SOUP KIDS #2 M’M M’M GOOD LIGHT SWITCH OR OUTLET COVER $7.19 |
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KITCHEN CAT HELPERS ROCKER GFI LIGHT SWITCH PLATE $4.25 |
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Double GFI/Rocker Light Switchplate – Star Wars #1 $11.50 |
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CABERNET WINE AND GLASS ROCKER GFI LIGHT SWITCH PLATE $4.25 |
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ZEBRA HIGH HEEL SHOES BLACK & BROWN LIGHT SWITCH OR OUTLET COVER MULTIPLE SIZES $9.99 |
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ZEBRA HIGH HEEL SHOES BLACK & BROWN LIGHT SWITCH OR OUTLET COVER MULTIPLE SIZES $8.19 |
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ZEBRA HIGH HEEL SHOES BLACK & BROWN LIGHT SWITCH OR OUTLET COVER MULTIPLE SIZES $8.19 |
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ZEBRA HIGH HEEL SHOES BLACK & BROWN LIGHT SWITCH OR OUTLET COVER MULTIPLE SIZES $8.19 |
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ZEBRA HIGH HEEL SHOES BLACK & BROWN LIGHT SWITCH OR OUTLET COVER MULTIPLE SIZES $8.19 |
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ZEBRA HIGH HEEL SHOES BLACK & BROWN LIGHT SWITCH OR OUTLET COVER MULTIPLE SIZES $5.79 |
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ZEBRA HIGH HEEL SHOES BLACK & BROWN LIGHT SWITCH OR OUTLET COVER MULTIPLE SIZES $7.19 |
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SO SWEET INCHWORM CATERPILLAR I’M ONE INCH TALL #1 LIGHT SWITCH OR OUTLET COVER $5.79 |
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SO SWEET INCHWORM CATERPILLAR I’M ONE INCH TALL #1 LIGHT SWITCH OR OUTLET COVER $7.19 |
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SO SWEET INCHWORM CATERPILLAR I’M ONE INCH TALL #1 LIGHT SWITCH OR OUTLET COVER $9.99 |
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BLACK AND WHITE CAT IN BATHTUB BATHROOM #1 PURPLE LIGHT SWITCH OR OUTLET COVER $5.79 |
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BLACK AND WHITE CAT IN BATHTUB BATHROOM #1 PURPLE LIGHT SWITCH OR OUTLET COVER $7.19 |
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BLACK AND WHITE CAT IN BATHTUB BATHROOM #1 PURPLE LIGHT SWITCH OR OUTLET COVER $9.99 |
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COUNTRY COW SUNFLOWER GARDEN PICKET FENCE LIGHT SWITCH OR OUTLET COVER $5.79 |
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COUNTRY COW SUNFLOWER GARDEN PICKET FENCE LIGHT SWITCH OR OUTLET COVER $7.19 |
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COUNTRY COW SUNFLOWER GARDEN PICKET FENCE LIGHT SWITCH OR OUTLET COVER $9.99 |
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APPLES DOUBLE ROCKER GFI LIGHT SWITCH PLATE $7.25 |
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BABY PENGUIN ROCKER GFI LIGHT SWITCH PLATE COVER $4.25 |
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QUILT PRINT WITH HEARTS ROCKER GFI LIGHT SWITCH PLATE $4.25 |
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Tork Digital 7 Day Landscape Timer – 110V – GFCI $78.99 7 Day Landscape Time Switch. PP-10R: 15 amp timed GFCI protected outlet with additional outlet. REVERSIBLE DOOR: Easy-Hinge patented removable and reversible door. Change from left to right opening. Solves installation issues in the field. WHILE-IN-USE COMPARTMENT: Inside mounting for two devices with cord exit. ENCLOSURE: Metal NEMA 3R with lockable hasp. TIMER: Model PP-10R-M-GFCI features … |
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Farouk CHI GF1001BC Pink CHI Limited Edition Breast Cancer Awareness Professional Ceramic Hairstyling Iron with GFI Plug and Free CHI Bag, 1 $119.99 CHI Pink Ceramic Flat Iron 1 inch Farouk Systems Hair Straightener. Bestselling CHI Original 1″ pink, Ceramic, ionic professional hair straightening iron smoothes hair cuticle, straightens and curls. Fixed temp. GF1001BC… |
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TRENDnet 500 Mbps Powerline AV Ethernet Adapter Kit TPL-401E2K (White) $84.38 The 500Mbps Powerline AV Adapter Kit, model TPL-401E2K, uses any electrical outlet to create a secure building-wide high speed network. Connect one of the included adapters to your network, and plug the other in to any outlet on your electrical system for instant high speed network access. Connect the included adapters quickly using the convenient one-touch Sync button. Use up to 16* adapters to … |
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iPhone 4 & 4S – Griffin Reveal Frame Black Bumper – GB02512 (AT&T, Verizon & Sprint) [Retail Packaging] Our Reveal Frame case surrounds the sides of your iPhone with a thin (but tough) ring of impact-resistant polycarbonate. Inside, we’ve added a layer of jolt-resistant silicone that protects the edges of your iPhone and its controls, and frames its back and Multi-Touch display. Reveal Frame’s ultra-low profile easily fits most charge and sync docks…. |
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Leviton 80409-W 2-Gang Decora/GFCI Device Decora Wallplate, Standard Size, Thermoset, Device Mount, White $0.01 Decora-Style single and multi-gang wallplates are available in nylon, urea and/or metal, and in a variety of colors or materials. Each features two or more Decora-style openings, ideal for any Leviton Decora insert, including GFCIs, electrical devices, lighting controls and Decora Multimedia QuickPort Inserts. Combine electrical and low-voltage applications in one multi-gang plate with the additio… |
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Leviton 80411-W 3-Gang Decora/GFCI Device Decora Wallplate, Standard Size, Thermoset, Device Mount, White $0.01 This product is a Decora-style three-gang wallplate. It features 3 Decora-style openings, ideal for any Leviton Decora insert, including GFCIs, electrical devices, lighting controls and Decora Multimedia QuickPort Inserts. Electrical and low-voltage applications are combined in one multi-gang plate with the addition of a barrier box. It is non-combustible and easily cleaned. Screws are provided. T… |
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12 Neon Grip Squirt Guns $6.50 Whats more fun than a squirt gun ? Delight the kids at your next party with these neon grip squirt gun party favors ! This pack of 12 squirt guns is a sure fire way to liven up the party…. |
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Griffin AutoPilot Charger for iPod and iPhone (2010 Packaging) $19.49 A new twist to the classic car charger for iPod: Track Control. AutoPilot is a sleek, low-profile power adapter AND iPod controller that plugs into the cigarette lighter or power socket in your dashboard or console. AutoPilot’s illuminated knob gives you controls for Play/Pause and Track Forward/Backward. Press play; you get tactile feedback that lets you keep your eyes on the road. It’s the perfe… |
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Infinity 529I 165W (Peak) 5-1/4 -Inch Two-Way Speakers (Pair) $149.95 KAPPA52.9I5-1/4″ 2-way car audio loudspeaker with Plus One woven glass fiber woofer cone and edge-driven MMD®-dome tweeter.? Plus One woofer cones – This patent pending technology deliver a cone with more surface area than competing models of the same size. The result is increased bass output and higher efficiency. ? Edge-driven MMD dome tweeters – These are not commonly used W-domes,… |
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Reveal Frame for iPhone 4, Black & Clear CDMA $29.99 Reveal’s sleek, one-piece design shields your iPhone from the indignities of the outside world, yet adds just a little over a millimeter in thickness. The thin shell protects as only polycarbonate can, with slim rubber lining and inserts that cushion and grip tight to hug your iPhone. Griffin Technology began designing and manufacturing technical solutions with an innovative flair in 1992. They ha… |
This entry was posted on Thursday, March 24th, 2005 at 7:29 pm and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.