The Bottom Line
| Type of GFCI Outlet | Best For... |
| Standard GFCI Receptacle | Preventing ground faults or electrocutio ... |
| Self-Testing GFCI | Performing routine safety checks |
| Portable GFCI | Adding temporary protection to an outlet |
| Weather-Resistant GFCI Outlet | Increasing safety while working outdoors |
Are there different GFCI outlets?
Three types of GFCIs are commonly used in homes – the GFCI outlet, the GFI circuit breaker and the portable GFCI. All of these GFCIs perform the same function but each has different applications and limitations. 1. The GFCI outlet: It is like a standard electrical outlet and protects any appliance plugged into it.
How to select a GFCI outlet?
What should I look for in bu ying a GFCI outlet?
- UL or ETL Certification. Like any crucial household device, GFCI outlets are much better when they’re vouched for their quality and safety features by reliable safety companies.
- LED Lighting. Most GFCI outlets have LED indicators. ...
- Durability. ...
- Essential Accessories. ...
- Installation Process. ...
- Power Output. ...
What are GFCI outlets and where should they be installed?
- Spaces at or below grade level
- Areas where heating, AC and refrigeration equipment is installed
- Includes 120-volt lighting outlets
How to determine if a GFCI outlet is bad?
How to Determine if a GFCI Outlet Is Bad. Check the breaker controlling the circuit in which the GFCI is installed if the red button is out and won't stay in when you push it. Unplug all appliances plugged into outlets downstream of the GFCI. Turn off the breaker to the circuit and unscrew the cover plate from the GFCI with a screwdriver.
What is a GFCI?
A GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) is an automatic device that offers personal protection against lethal electrical shock or electrocution. It is a special electrical receptacle or outlet that can stop electrical power within milliseconds as a safety precaution. Let’s see how?
How does a GFCI work?
The GFCI works by measuring the current leaving the hot side of the power source and comparing it to the current returning to the neutral side. If they are not equal, this means that some of the current is flowing along an unintended path possibly through water or through a person.
What is the slot in a GFCI?
The larger “left slot” corresponds to “neutral and “right slot” is called “hot”. The third, round hole is the “ground”. Normally, electricity flows from hot to neutral in the outlet. The GFCI works by measuring the current leaving the hot side of the power source and comparing it to the current returning to the neutral side.
How many lives have been saved by GFCIs?
Thousands of lives saved: Since the 1970s, GFCIs have saved thousands of lives and have helped cut the number of home electrocutions in half. If GFCIs were installed in older homes, experts suggest 70 per cent of the electrocutions that occur each year in the home could be prevented.
When a person's body starts to receive a shock, the GFCI senses this and cuts off
So when a person’s body starts to receive a shock, the GFCI senses this and cuts off the power before he or she can get injured. In general, GFCIs are installed wherever there is the potential for contact between a person and an electrical appliance in or near moisture, water, or water pipes.
Where should GFCIs be installed?
One needs to ensure that GFCIs are installed in his or her kitchen, bathrooms, workshop, basement, garage, swimming pools, hot tubs, outdoor outlets and fixtures, and any other areas where water and electricity are likely to come in contact.
When to use portable GFCI?
But Portable GFCI protection could also be put to use whenever electrically-powered equipment is used in garden related works and when using electric tools in and around the house.
Where are GFCI outlets located?
GFCI outlets are commonly found in bathrooms, kitchens, garages, basements and outdoor areas. These areas are highly susceptible to the occurrence of ground faults. Generally, if there is a risk of water meeting electricity in a certain area, a ground fault interrupter outlet should be installed. When a GFCI is tripped, it’s necessary ...
Why do people use GFCI outlets?
Many people use GFCI outlets because they react faster than circuit breakers or fuses. These outlets not only prevent serious electric shock, but they also reduce the risk of electrical fires and prevent damage to appliances. A GFCI outlet may also share a circuit with other outlets, which provides additional protection.
What is a GFCI plug?
GFCI plugs monitor the flow of an electrical current in a circuit. When a ground fault occurs, the flow between the neutral and hot wires becomes unbalanced. Once there is a disturbance in current, the GFCI breaks the electrical circuit and shuts off the energy flow. Many people use GFCI outlets because they react faster than circuit breakers ...
How to test GFCI receptacles?
To test the outlet, plug an appliance into it and push the test button on the outlet. If the ground fault interrupter is working properly, the appliance will shut off and the reset button on the outlet will pop out.
What is a ground fault circuit interrupter?
A ground fault circuit interrupter is an electrical safety outlet designed for use in homes and businesses. A GFCI is typically installed in areas that come in contact with moisture like the kitchen or bathroom, and its primary purpose is to protect against electrical shock. GFCI outlets look similar to the traditional counterparts, however, ...
What Is a GFCI Outlet?
GFCI stands for Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter, or also called ground fault outlet. This outlet is responsible for saving the life of everyone present in your home within the blink of an eye. The GFCI outlet acts swiftly (within 1/40th of a second). It automatically shuts off the outlet or connection in the case of a ground fault.
Types of GFCI Devices
There are three types of GFCI devices. These include the GFCI outlet, GFCI circuit breaker, and portable GFCI. However, the GFCI outlet and circuit breakers are the most commonly used devices at home and depending on the area of your home. You can either have a GFCI outlet or circuit breaker, or both.
GFCI Outlets
A GFCI outlet will protect almost any electrical outlet (non-GFCI outlets) succeeding the GFCI in the same circuit as the GFCI outlet. It also protects the devices plugged into the GFCI outlet and the other non-GFCI outlets.
GFCI Circuit Breaker
GFCI circuit breakers, on the other hand, become useful when you need protection for areas that have a large ground faults potential. For example, a pool or a bathtub. These have much larger voltage and current ratings, making the circuit breakers ideal for installing bathroom receptacles to protect you in these areas.
Portable GFCI
Just as the name implies, a portable provides you with the benefits of a GFCI outlet in areas where there are no GFCI outlets installed. For example, suppose you are working on a remote site, and you need to enjoy the benefits of a GFCI.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Just like other electrical receptacles, a GFCI receptacle and outlet are mostly used interchangeably. However, the main difference is that an outlet is a point through which electrical current flows out. Whiles a receptacle is the slot which the prongs of your electrical device enter.
Conclusion
GFCIs are must-haves in homes, RVs, and any place where you would be using electronic devices. You are assured that you will be protected from ground faults. Thousands of people die from electrocution.
What is a GFCI outlet?
When it comes to electricity, safety has always been a major concern, but thanks to the development of ground fault circuit interrupter outlets (GFCIs), the risk of being severely shocked or electrocuted is greatly reduced. According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI), electrocutions are down 83 percent since the 1970s when GFCIs were introduced. These quick-to-react outlets are required by law in new home construction, and it’s a good idea to put them in older homes as well. Read on for must-know info on GFCIs—what they are, how they work, and where to install them.
How to tell if GFCI outlet is working?
Leave the nightlight in and then press the “Test” button. The nightlight should go off, which tells you that the GFCI outlet is working as intended. If it’s not working, it’s time to call the electrician.
What does it mean when an outlet has 3 wires?
Outlets with three attached wires (remove the outlet plate to determine the number of attached wires) indicate that the outlet is located at the end of an electrical circuit (a wiring loop that starts and finishes at the breaker panel).
How to shut off power to outlet?
Shut off the power to the outlet by turning off the circuit breaker (at the breaker panel) that provides electricity to the outlet. A good way to ensure that the power is off is to plug a nightlight into the outlet and turn it on, then shut off the breaker.
Where should GFCIs be installed?
GFCIs are also required on all receptacles serving kitchen countertops. In laundry rooms and utility rooms, GFCIs should be installed on outlets within six feet of sinks, washing machines, and water heaters. They should also be installed within six feet of a wet bar and in garages and unfinished basements.
Can you replace an outlet at the end of a circuit?
You should understand how outlets are wired and how electrical current travels from the breaker panel through each electrical circuit (wiring loop) in your home. Some communities prohibit homeowners from doing their own wiring, so check with your local building authority before you start.
Does a GFCI protect against electricity surges?
Advertisement. While you may still receive a painful shock, the GFCI will prevent a prolonged surge of electricity, the type that injures and kills. A standard outlet, like the type in your bedroom, doesn’t have a sensor. Photo: istockphoto.com.
What is ground fault?
A ground-fault occurs when there is a break in the low-resistance grounding path from a tool or electrical system. The electrical current may then take an alternative path to the ground through the user, resulting in serious injuries or death. The ground-fault circuit interrupter, or GFCI, is a fast-acting circuit breaker designed to shut ...
Does GFCI protect against ground fault?
The GFCI will not protect you from line contact hazards (i.e. a person holding two "hot" wires, a hot and a neutral wire in each hand, or contacting an overhead power line). However, it protects against the most common form of electrical shock hazard, the ground-fault. It also protects against fires, overheating, and destruction of wire insulation.
Can a GFCI trip?
The GFCI is rated to trip quickly enough to prevent an electrical incident. If it is properly installed and maintained, this will happen as soon as the faulty tool is plugged in. If the grounding conductor is not intact or of low-impedance, the GFCI may not trip until a person provides a path.
How many outlets does a GFCI have?
The best GFCI outlet with USB has two to four outlets and two USB ports in it. But with all these, be sure that the trip outlet only accommodates loads below or equal to its capacity. For residential GFCIs, two outlets would be a safe and ideal option.
Why are there GFCI outlets?
One of the reasons why there are GFCI outlets in the market is because these devices react fast to ground faults. Thus, it is a requirement to use GFCIs in the bathroom. These receptacles also work best in other environments like kitchens, gardens, and damp areas.
Why use a 2 pack GFCI outlet?
One of the reasons why I trust the PROCURU 2-Pack GFCI Outlet is because it complies with the National Electric Code 406.12 requirements. This code focuses on the resistance of outlets to tampering. That means there will be no access to power unless a standard plug makes contact with it.
What is a bestten GFCI outlet?
Durability is what makes the BESTTEN GFCI Outlet a quality GFCI terminal. This product comes with a fire-proof polycarbonate casing that is easy to install and lightweight. Compared to other GFCI brands, this one has improved impact resistance and tolerance to fading as well.
How often does Faith GFCI test?
Conducting a self-test every 2.5 hours, the Faith GFCI Outlet makes sure that your terminals remain fully functional. These tests are essential for your continued protection and defense against faults.
Can you reset a GFCI switch?
Also, unlike fuses, you can always reset the GFCI once it trips off using the RESET button. These switches are necessary to keep your electronics safe and in a good state. Installation was a breeze for me since the package comes with all the necessary parts in a color-coded manner for easy identification.
Is a 15A outlet good for a home?
If you are using household appliances that consume a minimal amount of electricity, a 15A outlet would be good for you. But if you have an HVAC system at home and you’re using power tools, it would be better to use a 20A GFCI outlet. On top of that, it would be ideal to examine your appliances at home.
Where can I use a ground fault circuit interrupter?
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets are best suited for places close to water. Indoors, this includes spaces like bathrooms, kitchens, basements, crawlspaces, and laundry areas. You can also use GFCI outlets outdoors.
What is smart outlet?
Modern, innovative smart outlets feature built-in mechanisms for monitoring power usage. They can also switch on or off following a program or schedule. For things you want to run on a set schedule, like lawn sprinklers or drip coffee makers, smart outlets can be great. They can also prevent power leakage and help make your home more energy-efficient.
How to keep appliances plugged in all the time?
If there are appliances or lights you want to keep plugged in all the time even when they aren’t running, consider switched outlets. The unit integrates a socket and a connected switch. Use the switch to control the power to a connected appliance without removing the plug from the outlet.
What type of breaker do I need for a 250 volt outlet?
Before installing these 20A, 250-volt outlets, you will need the proper circuit in place. 250-volt outlets need a double-pole circuit breaker installed in your main panel, a job best left to an electrician.
Why aren't all electrical outlets the same?
If not all electrical outlets in your home look the same, it’s because there are many different types of electrical outlets. Each type has unique characteristics and features. What works for the bedroom may not be the best for your bathroom counters and vice versa.
Do electrical outlets have to be tamper resistant?
Building codes in most places have now made it mandatory to use tamper-resistant outlets in new construction. These types of electrical outlets utilize a built-in physical barrier to prevent the entry of foreign objects. The internal shutters open only when you insert a two-pronged or grounded plug. If you have children at home, this can be a safe choice. Even if children try tampering with these outlets by putting something other than a plug in, there is no shock hazard.