Importance of installing GFCIs in the home
Considering selling or updating your home? if you live in an older home with original wiring, chances are the GFCI protection required by the NEC ( national electric code) is not up to current code. GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) outlets are installed in all wet areas and detect imbalances in the electrical current and quickly shut off the power to minimize the risk of shock, serious burns or electrocution. It is also important to protect people where they could come in contact with exposed grounded items such as plumbing fixtures.
It is important to install GFCIs because they immediately shut off an electric power circuit if they detect a current flowing along the wrong route, like through a person or through water. They can also prevent house fires caused by electrical outlets. They are most likely found on electrical receptacles (outlets),circuit breakers, extension cords, and other electrical equipment. Each provides a “test/reset” button to power the affected device right back up.
A simple activity around water can kick the GFCI into action. Two examples follow. First, you are drying your hair and some water splashed into your hairdryer and creates a short circuit. Or, you touched an outlet with a wet hand. In each instance, the GFCI outlet will stop the power—in a tiny fraction of a second… and you avoid injury or death!
GFCI receptacle installation protects the following areas:
- Bathrooms
- Garages and accessory buildings
- Outdoor lights
- Unfinished basements
- Crawl spaces
- Kitchens
- Landscape lighting
- Laundry, utility, and wet bar sinks
- Pool/hot tub/spa areas
GFCI protection working in your home
Normally, you can reset the GFCI outlet by tapping the “reset” button and plugging the devices back into the outlet and turning them on. However, Klotz Electric, LLC advises that you don’t try to install, replace or fix a faulty GFCI outlet yourself; because handling electricity could be very dangerous!
Call us at 509-393-3778 or fill out the Contact Us form and let our professionally trained, insured and bonded electricians install, troubleshoot or repair electrical problems related to new, malfunctioning or defective GFCI outlets. All work is performed in accordance with the National Electric Code (NEC). Let Klotz Electric, LLC protect your family and update your home with GFCI installations today.