Check Your Home For GFCI Protection
Check your home’s electrical outlets to see if any have ground fault circuit interrupters, or GFCIs, like the one shown here. Building codes in most states now require that GFCI outlets be installed in “wet” locations such as kitchens, baths, laundry rooms, garages, or any place there is danger from moisture-related electrical shock.
This video shows how to install or replace a GFCI Outlet
How to Install GFCI Outlets
A ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) can help prevent electrocution. If a person’s body starts to receive a shock, the GFCI senses this and cuts off the power before he/she can get injured.
GFCIs are generally installed where electrical circuits may accidentally come into contact with water. They are most often found in kitchens, bath and laundry rooms, or even out-of-doors or in the garage where electric power tools might be used.
GFCI outlets reduce the danger of deadly shock from faulty plug-in cords and devices. A GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) is a special type of outlet that detects dangerous ground faults and immediately turns off the power to stop shocks. You can replace almost any electrical outlet with a GFCI outlet. Correctly wired GFCIs will also protect other outlets on the same circuit.
While it’s common to find GFCI outlets in bathrooms and kitchens, the electrical code also requires GFCIs in unfinished basements, garages, most outdoor receptacles and places where construction activity occurs. We’ll show you how to replace a standard duplex receptacle with a GFCI and wire it to protect other outlets.
There can be several reasons you may want to install a GFCI outlet – maybe it’s worn out, it could have been physically damaged or maybe you just want a new outlet installed in general. Like any other outlet, GFCI outlets will wear out eventually. Kitchen outlets often have small appliances repeated plugged into them and then removed after use – has constant use worn out the springs that keep the plug tight?
What are the types of GFCIs?
There are three types of GFCIs. The most often used “receptacle-type” GFCI, similar to a common wall outlet, is the type with which most consumers are familiar. Additionally, circuit breaker GFCIs are often used as replacements for standard circuit breakers and provide GFCI protection to all receptacles on that individual circuit. Temporary or portable GFCIs are frequently used in construction and in outdoor settings with electric tools, mowers, trimmers, and similar devices. They should not be used as a permanent alternative to a regular GFCI. Temporary GFCIs should be tested prior to every use.
GFCI Outlet Safety Installation
A ground fault happens whenever electricity escapes the confines of the wiring in an appliance, light fixture, or power tool and takes a shortcut to the ground. When that short cut is through a human, the results can be deadly. Most of the time, his invention does nothing; it just monitors the difference in the current flowing into and out of a tool or appliance. Call (214) 238-8353 us for your home service and repair needs.
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