Have you ever seen an outlet with two buttons in the middle? Did you know that these kinds of outlets have a name separate from average ones, as they offer different functions? These outlets are commonly known as GFCI outlets.
When it comes to safety and overall efficiency, GFCI outlets are the go-to staple for any home. After all, these outlets go above and beyond to increase overall home safety and reduce the risk of electric shock. But where should these outlets be installed and how do you go about resetting this kind of outlet?
To learn everything there is to know about GFCI outlets, our electrician team here at SiteTech Electrical have come up with information all about this in our blog post below. This way, you are fully prepared when you have to deal with these kinds of outlets in your home.
What Do They Do?
The great thing about GFCI outlets is that they offer a large number of different purposes. One of the main things GFCI outlets do is cut their power whenever a ground fault takes place. In simplest terms, a ground fault is when an electric current is suddenly and unexpectedly grounded. This outlet will sense a ground fault by checking the electrical current of the hot ends of the circuit and the neutral ends of the circuit. When the outlet detects any sort of disparity between these circuit ends, it immediately goes to cut the circuit off. This, in turn, reduces the risk of any electricity hazards and damage to your devices.
How Does One Reset a GFCI Outlet?
While resetting a GFCI outlet is generally easy, always be sure to properly inspect the area around you before properly resetting this kind of outlet. This will mean looking out for any dust, water, worn wires or grease that could interfere with the outlet and cause it to malfunction. Once you’ve made sure the outlet is completely clear, you can now push the “reset” button on the outlet. Hopefully, this will fix any issues you have with it. If the outlet is still giving you trouble, it may be time to contact a proper electrician.
How Should They Be Installed?
While GFCI outlets provide homeowners with an increased amount of safety when it comes to their electronics, this only truly works if you install them properly and in the right places. When it comes down to it, there are certain rooms that require these kinds of outlets above others. Some important places to install these outlets include:
- Bathrooms: Since bathrooms are more prone to collecting excess moisture, it’s important that GFCI outlets are installed in these rooms above all else.
- Basements: Just like bathrooms, basements can be quite susceptible to moisture as well. Basements also collect lots of dust, making it a place where multiple issues can take place. GFCI outlets fix this problem.
- Kitchens: If you have an outlet that’s anywhere near the sink (6ft or less), it should always be installed as a GFCI outlet.
How We Can Help
Here at SiteTech Electrical, we work to help every homeowner get the best electrical possible. With our high quality services, hard working team and advanced equipment, you can rest assured that all of your electricity is being taken care of in the most professional manner possible. To learn more about our residential electrical services in Richmond Hill, be sure to call our team at (647) 939-3239 today!
