GFCI outlets are required to be placed in certain locations throughout your home as per the National Electric Code. It is especially important that homeowners who have not updated the outlets in older homes, reach out to their electricians to have the necessary outlets installed.
WHAT IS GFCI AND A BIT OF ITS HISTORY
GFCI stands for Ground-Fault Circuit Interruption. These specialized devices help to protect individuals from experiencing electric shocks from faults that exist in the electrical devices within your home or office. The outlets work by comparing the input current on the hot side to the output current located on the neutral side. These specialized outlets can sense if and when there is a problem with an electrical device that can ultimately lead to an electric shock. The outlets respond immediately to potential dangers by cutting the power to the outlet itself as well as the power to the specific device that is plugged into the outlet, thereby protecting both the individual and your home or office from dangerous issues.
There have been specific requirements in place since 1962 with regard to underwater lighting used for swimming pools because of the potential risk of shock when the electricity and water come in contact with one another. Because of this scenario and concern, a fail-safe ground requirement was put in place in 1971 which automatically turns off the electricity if the amperage reaches a level greater than 30V. In 1971 the requirement for ‘single phase receptacles’ which have the capability of receiving 15-20 amps, especially in construction sites first starting out, became a requirement. Later in the year home requirements were set at 120V for outdoor outlets with a 15-20-amp requirement indoors. With continued concern for safety kitchens, wet bars, motels and hotels were also forced to follow these requirements as were bathrooms. GFCI outlets were, therefore, required for all construction sites and residencies because of the risk of electric shocks,
In the following years ground-fault circuit protection outlets were required to be installed within 6 feet of any sink whether a residence, a commercial property, a business, a hotel or any other structure including laundry areas as well.
THE BENEFITS OF GFCI OUTLETS
The GFCI requirements have contributed to the protection of many people and have minimized risks across the board. In order for your home to be up to code, it is necessary to have these specialized outlets installed by a certified electrician. Newly constructed homes have GFCI outlets installed in nearly every room of the construction. If your home does not meet these requirements, then Gervais Electric can upgrade your home and bring it up to code.
If you are unsure as to whether or not your home or office meets the code requirements with regard to these specialized GFCI outlets, then be sure to contact our team of highly skilled and certified electricians to come out to your home or business and perform a simple inspection. Our expert team can identify any outlets that do not meet with the code and provide upgrades as needed.
If you are in need of an upgrade or want to schedule an inspection to ensure that you are compliant with the necessary GFCI outlet requirements, then surely you have come to the right place. Give a call out to our team and schedule your inspection or service appointment today. Gervais Electric, Inc. looks forward to serving you and to providing you with the highest quality electrical parts and services this side of Franklin. Don’t delay in ensuring the safety of your home and family. Contact our team of professionals today!
