A circuit interrupting device, such as a GFCI receptacle device, is provided that automatically resets itself when power is initially applied to the device, for example, when the device is first installed or when power is reapplied after a power outage occurs. When power is applied correctly to the line side of the device, as opposed to the load side, a voltage is generated that turns on a switching device. Turning on the switching device allows a low level of electric current to flow which, in turn, allows a higher level electric current to flow which closes the latching mechanism of the device and places the device in the reset condition.