Electrical
GFCI outlet installation in Kansas City

When you care about keeping your home safe, you’ll want to ensure that the electrical wiring in your kitchens and bathrooms is up to date. Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets reduce the risk of electrical hazards in areas with high moisture levels by automatically cutting power when an electrical imbalance is detected. When you upgrade to GFCI outlets, you can ensure that your home’s electrical system complies with modern building codes.

Below, we’ll discuss why installing GFCI outlets in your kitchen and bathrooms is essential for keeping your home safe.

Where GFCI Protection Matters Most

Any outlet near water sources should be GFCI-protected and easy to test. Use the test and reset buttons monthly to confirm protection is working. If a device frequently trips, have a licensed electrician check for shared neutrals or moisture issues.

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What Are GFCIs, and How Do They Work?

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) are safety devices that monitor current as it flows through a circuit. They are built into outlets to protect people and property against ground faults, which happen when electricity escapes the circuit and flows to a grounded surface.

A GFCI works by detecting differences in electrical current, sometimes as small as 5 milliamps, between a circuit’s hot and neutral wires. If it detects an imbalance, it will trip, interrupt the flow of electricity, and shut off power to the outlet almost instantly. This rapid response helps prevent electrical shocks and fires that could cause serious injuries, loss of property, and even death.

Why Do Bathrooms and Kitchens Need GFCI Outlets?

GFCI outlets provide more protection against electrical faults than standard outlets connected to circuit breakers do, especially in areas where electricity could come into contact with water. Operating electric razors, hairdryers, mixers, and blenders near sinks and damp countertops increases the risk of short circuits and electrical shocks, but GFCIs can prevent these events from causing harm.

For instance, if water splashes out from a sink and onto a counter, causing a curling iron or toaster to short, a GFCI will cut power in less than a second. This ability makes GFCIs an extremely valuable safety feature near any outlet adjacent to a water source where an electrical accident could occur. GFCI outlets can help keep these rooms safer for you and your family.

GFCI outlets can also prevent electrical fires by interrupting the flow of current before it can create sparks or cause a circuit or its housing to overheat. These outlets can also interrupt electrical faults caused by faulty wiring or appliances, making them a smart investment for anyone who wants to have full confidence in their electrical system.

Do I Need to Install GFCI Outlets?

If you’re remodeling your bathroom or kitchen or doing electrical work in these rooms, your state or local government may require you to install upgraded GFCI outlets.

The National Electrical Code (NEC), which establishes standards to protect dwellings against electrical hazards, requires builders and electricians to install GFCI receptacles or outlets in any area where electrical faults are likely, including any water source. The 2023 NEC update requires Class A GFCI protection for single-phase 125-volt to 250-volt receptacles in all bathroom and kitchen areas.

Many GFCI receptacles will test themselves every 15 minutes, since Underwriters Laboratory (UL) requires GFCIs to be self-testing. Once installed, a GFCI outlet will protect all outlets that share a circuit, as well as any appliances plugged into it. The benefits of installing these devices, including reduced risk of electrical damage to your property, increased safety for children, and fire prevention, make upgrading a worthwhile investment. Installing GFCI outlets may also lower your homeowner’s insurance costs.

If you live in an older home, you may not have GFCI outlets installed. To determine whether you need an upgrade, look for “test” and “reset” buttons on the faceplates of your kitchen and bathroom outlets. These buttons are usually located between the sets of sockets. If you don’t find these buttons, you’ll need to update your outlets. However, if you already have GFCIs installed, ensure they’re functioning correctly.

To do this, press the “test” button on the outlet to trip the circuit, shut off the power, and cause the “reset” button to pop out. Next, press the reset button back in to restore power. Verify that the outlet is functioning correctly by plugging in an appliance and turning it on. Following these steps can provide peace of mind that your GFCI is working to keep you safe.

Are GFCI Outlets Reliable?

GFCI outlets are designed to work reliably in high-moisture areas, but they are not fully waterproof. You should take care to keep any walls, countertops, backsplashes, and sinks near outlets as dry as possible to prevent damage. Also, be sure to avoid plugging too many high-wattage devices into a single circuit, as this can cause overloads that may damage your GFCI.

If you notice that your outlets trip frequently or their faceplates are scorched or cracked, there’s a good chance that the outlet is damaged and unsafe to use. A licensed electrician can replace your damaged GFCI outlet and show you how to use it wisely moving forward.

Can I Install GFCI Outlets Myself?

If you’re thinking about installing a GFCI on a lazy weekend, you may need to reconsider. Many states stipulate that licensed electricians must perform residential electrical upgrades, and some locations may require you to get a permit to begin the work. Most homeowners do not have the necessary training, credentials, or expertise to install GFCI outlets safely, so you’ll probably need to hire a professional electrician to do the job.

Fortunately, most GFCI installations are quick and relatively inexpensive, and you’ll be able to relax knowing that your new outlets are placed in the right locations, functioning correctly, and compliant with local electrical codes. Your electrician will also test your new outlets to ensure that everything is in order before they leave.

Once you’ve installed new GFCI outlets, you’ll need to test them regularly and maintain them to ensure that they will work reliably for years to come. Over time, GFCI outlets can lose sensitivity or deteriorate. Conducting a monthly test will ensure that your outlets are in good working order.

If you discover that one of your GFCI outlets is malfunctioning, appears worn out, or is tripping too frequently, you should have an electrician inspect it. An experienced professional can diagnose any issues and make any needed repairs to ensure that your outlets and electrical system are operating safely.

Keep Your Bathrooms and Kitchen Safe With NEW GFCI Outlets

Installing GFCI outlets in your bathrooms and kitchen is a crucial improvement for your home’s electrical safety. GFCI outlets protect your household from harm, and proper installation and routine maintenance will ensure they work effectively. Investing in GFCI outlets can help put your mind at ease, as you’ll know they’ll protect you against electrical hazards and safeguard your property.

If you need to upgrade your standard outlets to GFCIs, MVP Air Conditioning, Heating, Plumbing & Electric in Lenexa, KS, is here to help. We’ll also be happy to inspect your wiring and address any other electrical needs you may have. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with our licensed electricians and upgrade your outlets right away!

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