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GFCI Outlets Protect You in the Wet Areas of Your Home…
If you are missing one it could be a shocking experience.
Electricity and water is a dangerous combination. That’s why, for the last 25 years or so, building codes require home builders to install ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) wherever an individual can come into contact with water while holding an electrical appliance or tool. This includes bathrooms, kitchens, wet bars, laundry rooms, basements, garages, patios and balconies. If your home is more than 25 years old – or if you’ve added on to or remodeled it, it’s possible that you or your contractor may have overlooked one of these lifesaving features.
How do you identify a GFCI? Look for the buttons.
GFCI outlets have built-in power sensors to detect power fluctuations and they often control several other outlets throughout your home. GFCIs look similar to regular electrical outlets except they have two buttons on the front – one labeled “test,” the other “reset.” You should test your GFCI electrical outlets every month by plugging an appliance into them and turning it on. When you press the “test” button the appliance should shut off. Pressing the “reset” button should cause the appliance to come back on. If your GFCI fails this test, it needs to be replaced as soon as possible.
How do you know if a regular-looking outlet is protected by GFCI?
Standard outlets in wet areas can often be controlled by GFCIs anywhere in the home. To test these installations, plug a radio or hairdryer into the outlet and turn it on. Beginning with the nearest GFCI outlet, press its “test” button. If your radio or hairdryer turns off then you know that this GFCI controls the outlet. If it has no effect, continue testing with the rest of the GFCIs in your home until you find the one that controls it. Be persistent. You’d be surprised which of your GFCIs might control a particular outlet. In the event that none of them do, then you definitely need to have the outlet replaced with a GFCI.
Your GFCI outlets can be real lifesavers, but only if they are installed and working properly.
