GFCI (Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter) Protection & Outlets

GFCI (Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets are a must in any home. They provide safety by interrupting the circuit and preventing an electrical shock if there’s a ground fault. Here’s what you need to know about GFCI protection and outlets.

A ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) is designed to interrupt the flow of electricity in the event of a mismatch between the incoming and outgoing current. With the GFCI outlet, the risk of shock and fatal burns is considerably reduced due to its ability to prevent the electrical wire from overheating and possible fire. Although it can be used to identify ground faults, it cannot be used as a fuse substitute because it does not protect against short circuits and overloading.

GFCI Outlet

What is a GFCI Outlet?

The GFCI is built into the electrical outlet and constantly monitors the flow of electricity in a circuit to detect irregularities in real-time. The outlet features three holes: two for neutral and hot wires and one for a ground wire in the center. All electricity is immediately switched off when it senses a change of any kind in a circuit. Since water can get into an outlet when you’re drying your hair, GFCI outlets will automatically shut off power to prevent electrical shock in bathrooms and other areas where water is present, such as kitchens and garages.

Location of GFCI Outlet

Electrical outlets near a moist environment require GFCI outlets. This is a brilliant idea in the kitchen, bathrooms, laundry rooms, pool house, or anywhere there is a possibility of water splashing around the house. The installation of GFCI outlets in every room of your home is not only required by law, but it’s also a wise precaution to take. GFCI protection is required by the National Electric Code (NEC) in all residences. In recent years, all single-phase outlets have been mandated to have GFCI outlets installed, which was previously exclusively the case for those located near water. GFCI outlets should also be installed on temporary electrical systems during building, remodeling, or maintenance of temporarily powered structures.

Importance of GFCI protection

An electrical ground fault has many dangers and implications that must be considered. In the event of a ground fault, you could be electrocuted or even shocked. It’s more likely to happen in moist areas and near water. Bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor locations with a lot of moisture are included in this category. Why? This is because water acts as a conduit for electrical current. It’s also possible to get an electric shock if you come into contact with a live electrical conductor because human tissue has a poor impedance to electrical currents.

An electrical ground fault can be prevented using ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCI). Allowing equal current flow between the equipment and the GFCI prevents harm by interrupting current flow if this flow differs from usual.

Conclusion

A GFCI should be checked for proper operation as part of routine maintenance. GFCIs are delicate devices that are susceptible to wear and tear or injury. If the GFCI isn’t working correctly, it could allow electricity to flow, which is dangerous. For plug-in devices, tests should be carried out by the manufacturer’s recommendations.

As a professional home inspector, these outlets are just one of many different pieces to the home that we check while performing home inspections. If you have any questions about this content, home inspections, or need help with the process to find the right professionals to buy or sell your home in Wichita, KS, send us a message or give us a call. We would love to help you get through this process.

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Jake Edenfield

Owner and Certified Inspector

Home Inspections that Make You Feel Confident About Your Investment