Have you ever noticed that the electrical outlets in your kitchen, bathrooms, and other areas of your home look different than those in other areas?
They are different. The outlets in those areas are called Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters, or GFCI outlets. They are commonly used and indeed required in areas where electrical current may come in contact with water (see below).
Here are a few key things to know.
Why Are They Important?
Ground fault circuit interrupters (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. So, they are obviously extremely important.
How Do They Work?
The GFCI monitors the difference in the amount of electricity flowing into the circuit to that flowing out. The GFCI reacts quickly (as quick as 1/30th of a second) to trip or shut off the power.
Where Are They Required?
Traditionally, they have been required in kitchens, bathrooms, outside outlets, garages, and unfinished basement areas. New electrical codes now also require them for furnace equipment, sump pumps, ejector pumps, and kitchen appliances like dishwashers and disposers.
What Can You Do?
First, make sure you have GFCI outlets in all the required areas. Second, while these outlets can last up to 25 years, you should test them.
- Devices made before 2015 require hands-on testing using an inexpensive plug-in GFCI tester that is available online or at hardware stores.
- You can test newer devices by pressing the button marked TEST. If it creates a snapping sound, that means the outlet was tripped and is still working. If that is the case, press the RESET button. If it does not make a clicking sound, it’s time for a new one.
- Many of the new models also self-test as often as every 15 minutes. Some of the better models will flash green if they are working and red if they are not.
- And obviously if you plug something in and it does not power on, time for a new one. Of course plug that item into another outlet to make sure it is the outlet and not the item.
Ravinia Plumbing, Sewer, Heating & Electric Can Help You with GFCI Outlets
The licensed electricians at Ravinia Plumbing can help you determine where you need GFCI outlets and then install them, as well as replace defective ones. Our customers have relied on us since 1928 (that’s 96 years!) for quality products, knowledgeable technicians, and superior service, including 24/7/365 emergency service. That is why we’ve made a name for ourselves as the most trusted plumbing, sewer, heating and air conditioning, and electrical company in Chicagoland. Contact Ravinia Plumbing today to schedule an appointment.
