GFCI Outlets – What Are They and Why They Are Needed?
Important safety components installed by residential electrical contractors are GFCIs or ground fault circuit interrupter outlets.
These safety outlets have been used since the 1970s and have become code-required electrical equipment today, although there are many older homes without them.
Now, updated safety codes that electrical contractors must adhere to require the use of GFCIs according to National Electric Code installation guidelines for all new construction.
Homeowners can also have electricians install GFCIs in their older homes if they don’t already have them to improve home electrical safety.
What Are GFCI Outlets And What Is Their Purpose?
Ground fault interrupter outlets, commonly known by electricians as GFCIs, are electrical outlets that include sensitive circuit breakers to prevent dangerous ground faults.
Ground faults are potentially deadly electrical surges that can happen when someone inadvertently becomes a conduit between a damaged, surging electrical circuit and a grounded object.
As this can lead to electrocution, modern building codes require residential electrical contractors to install GFCIs in multiple and specific places in a home to protect residents from this potential danger.
How Do GFCI Outlets Installed By Electricians Work?
When properly wired into an active circuit by an electrical contractor, a GFCI outlet can detect power fluctuations in the circuit that indicate overloading or some type of damage, then switch the circuit off.
In doing so, the tripped internal circuit breaker can prevent someone plugging an electrical device into the outlet from being electrocuted if their body is also in contact with an object that is grounded.
As electricity naturally seeks the most direct path into the ground, surges that cause shocks at the outlet can transfer into and pass through a person, seriously injuring them in the process.
GFCI outlets installed by electricians prevent that from happening by stopping the passage of electricity to the outlet.
Where Must Electrical Contractors Install GFCI Outlets?
Updated yearly as necessary, the National Electric Code (NEC) mandates that residential electrical contractors install GFCI outlets in all new construction or home renovations in several specific locations.
Those locations include:
- Bathrooms
- Kitchens and Wet Bar Sink Areas
- Laundry and Utility Areas
- Outdoor Outlets
- Garages
- Crawl Spaces and Unfinished Basements
As sources of water are prime locations where ground faults occur, NEC code requires electrical contractors to install GFCI outlets within two to three feet of faucets throughout a house.
Homes undergoing restoration in these areas must be updated to include GFCIs where required for the project to pass inspection.
Portable GFCI outlets are also recommended for use with outdoor electrical equipment powered with wires and extension cords.
Increase Home Safety With GFCI Outlets
Ground fault circuit interrupter outlets installed by residential electrical contractors are essential safety devices that every home needs.
Automatically included in new construction, electrical contractors can also add these code-required outlets as requested by homeowners or as part of a home renovation or remodeling project.
Installation by an experienced local electrician is both quick and inexpensive, making GFCIs a cost-effective safety investment for every homeowner!