UNDERSTANDING GFCI OUTLETS

WHAT IS A GFCI OUTLET & HOW DOES IT WORK?

A Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlet is a special type of electrical device that quickly cuts off power when it detects a ground fault. A ground fault could happen, for example, if someone touches an electrified appliance with wet hands. These handy devices are able to detect as little as 4 to 6 milliamps of imbalance between the energy going out through the hot wire and the energy flowing back in through the neutral wire, tripping the GFCI and shutting off electricity to the circuit.

WHERE SHOULD GFCI PROTECTION BE INSTALLED?

• Within 6 feet of a water source (this includes bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and wet bars)

• Outdoor spaces

• Garages, basements, and crawl spaces

Note:  In 2023, the National Electric Code updated the code to include GFCI protection as a requirement for ALL receptacles installed in kitchens, as well as for clothes dryers. These changes will be enforced locally in the near future, if they have not been already.

TYPES OF GFCI PROTECTION

Not all types of GFCI protection are built into the outlet. The GFCI protection can be built into your circuit breaker, allowing the entire circuit to use standard outlets and still retain protection. If you do not see a test button on your outlet, check your breaker box and see if the circuit breakers include protection. 

REGULAR TESTING

We recommend testing your GFCI outlets on a monthly basis. Press the test button and reset button on the face of the device. These buttons should pop out and power to the outlet should shut off. To reset, simply press the reset button.

SIGNS OF MALFUNCTION

• The outlet trips often, especially when no apparent short circuit has occurred

• The outlet no longer functions

• The test button no longer trips the outlet

• Flashing indicator lights

• Scorch marks

• Age, replace outlets over 10 to 15 years regardless of functioning

Before GFCI outlets, electrical risks in wetter parts of our homes were simply a part of life - and electrical shocks were not uncommon. By requiring GFCIs (ground fault circuit interrupters), the National Electric Code has made our homes safer and dropped the electrocutions in bathrooms by 80%.

This protection only works if kept in good working order and homeowners routinely check the GFCI protection. If you suspect one of your GFCI outlets is not working correctly and are not confident in your ability to perform an outlet replacement, give us a call and keep your family safe!