A ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protects you and your family from shock, electrocution, or fire. It can prevent serious injury or even death. While this device may sound similar to a circuit breaker or fuse box, it’s different because it is specifically designed to protect you not your electrical system. Learn why you should use this outlet and where they should be installed from a Harford County electrician.
Where to Place GFCI Outlets
A GFCI contains sensors that monitor the flow of electricity. Its purpose is to interrupt the flow of current if it senses a short circuit or ground fault. GFCI outlets are a requirement for new construction, so you may already have them. However, older homes may not contain them if a previous homeowner did not update electrical wiring or outlets.
As a general rule, place this outlet anywhere in your home where it could come in contact with water, both indoors and outdoors. GFCIs should be installed inside bathrooms and one for your kitchen as both of these locations have water sources and are prone to moisture. The garage is another place that benefits from having one of these outlets since this area is often damp. The same applies to a laundry room, crawl space, or any room with electrically heated floors. Keep in mind that you typically only need one per area, not one for each outlet. You can install it to protect all down-circuit receptacles in a portion of your home.
Need a Harford County Electrician?
Electrical work is a dangerous matter if you don’t have any formal training and limited or no experience. That’s why any time you’re working with electrical components, you should contact a Harford County electrician. Tim Kyle Electric Co. can help you determine where you may need a GFCI outlet and properly install it for you. Contact us today for an estimate.