Call this Monday to Get 15% OFF
24-Hour Emergency Electricians in Fort Worth, TX
Call this Monday to Get 15% OFF
Need an electrician?
Schedule NowRequest Electrical Service Now
817-585-2993
Call this Monday to Get 15% OFF
24-Hour Emergency Electricians in Fort Worth, TX
Call this Monday to Get 15% OFF
Need an electrician?
Schedule NowRequest Electrical Service Now
817-585-2993
We all know that electricity and water do not mix. However, we still need to use both in places like bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms—areas where the risk of electrical hazards is higher due to moisture. This is why it’s important to have safety devices, like GFCI outlets, in place.
In this article, Mr. Electric—a top-rated electrical service—explains everything you need to know about GFCI outlets and why they’re important in various parts of your home.
A Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) is a type of electrical outlet designed to monitor the flow of electricity in a circuit. It detects imbalances in electrical current and shuts off power within a fraction of a second to prevent electric shock. GFCIs are usually installed in areas where water and electricity are likely to come into contact, such as bathrooms, kitchens, garages, basements, laundry rooms, and outdoor outlets.
Under normal conditions, the electrical current flowing into a circuit should equal the current flowing out. If there’s even a slight difference, like when electricity is leaking through a person to the ground, the GFCI senses it. It reacts immediately by cutting off the power. This all happens in milliseconds to reduce the risk of serious shock or electrocution.
GFCIs don’t need to detect a full short circuit to activate. Even a current leak as small as 4 to 6 milliamps can trigger the device, which is enough to cause harm or fatal injury if it travels through a person’s body.
The National Electrical Code (NEC) mandates the use of GFCI outlets in specific parts of the home. These include:
Homes built after 1971 may already have GFCIs installed in these areas, but many older homes may still need upgrades to meet current safety standards. Even if not required by code in some cases, it’s still a good idea to have them.
GFCI outlets have “Test” and “Reset” buttons on the front. It’s recommended to test them monthly to ensure they’re functioning properly. To test a GFCI:
If the outlet fails the test, call a local electrician in Fort Worth, TX to perform electrical outlet repair or replacement.
The primary benefit of GFCIs is safety. They are designed to protect people from electric shock, which can be especially dangerous in damp or wet environments. In addition to personal safety, GFCIs help prevent electrical fires that can be caused by current leakage.
GFCIs can also add value to your home, improve energy efficiency, and ensure compliance with modern building codes.
If your GFCIs are more than 10 years old or fail the monthly test, it’s time to consider a replacement. Outlets that are warm to the touch, frequently trip, or don’t reset properly may be failing. Also, if your home was built before GFCIs were required by code, it’s time to call a local electrical service to install the outlets.
Do not hesitate to contact Mr. Electric if you need help with GFCI outlet installation or testing your outlets. We are a team of highly qualified and experienced electricians who are committed to offering first-class services. Our electricians provide outlet installation, electrical outlet repair, electrical safety inspections, and many more. Call us now to schedule service.
