Why do we use Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs)?

 

The main purpose of a Ground Fault Interrupter is to protect you from getting electric shocks, and to protect your house from electrical fires. Now, according to the National Electric Code it is mandatory to have GCFIs installed in any new bathrooms, kitchens, basements, laundry rooms, even crawl spaces and outdoor receptacles.  Basically any area where there is water and electricity is close proximity, it would be advisable to have a GFCI installed.

GFCIs are similar to how a fuse works, except they are far more stable than that. If you were to get a shock from a stray currant, the CFCI would sense the change of amount of current through the ground (even up to just a difference of 4 to 5 milliamps) and quickly shuts off the electricity immediately. What makes the GFCI so effective is the speed by  which it responses with, it only takes one-tenth of a second for a GFCI to respond and terminate the electrical current.

Many people have GFCI  outlets installed but don’t check if they are still working well. It is a good idea to get your GFCIs checked by a licensed electrician to ensure they are working, have broken ones repairs or new ones installed. GFCIs can become damaged after power surges, so from our electrical expertise we recommend a routine monthly check up on any GFCI outlets you have.

We use GCFIs to save human lives, electricity is a dangerous force, and some things are impossible to avoid, but now we don’t have to put up with hazardous electrical appliances, get your home secured with ample GFCI outlets and keep you home, yourself, and your loved ones safe. A ground fault happens when a live electrical wire touches a metal outlet box or a ground wire. [1]

GFCI’S are NEEDED in the following areas of your home:

• Bathrooms
• Kitchens
• Garages
• Outdoors
• Anywhere Near water

It is a wise choice to contact an electrician to fix any problems you may notice with the GFCIs  installed in your home, such as regular tripping etc… A electrician can easily identify and fix the problem for you.

If you  have GFCI outlets installed in these areas of your home, call our expert electricians at (916) 520-8420 for immediate electrical repair, if you find they are not functionally properly.