Safety outlets are one the easiest ways to ensure your family and your home are protected from an electrical accident. Electricity will always follow the path of least resistance, which can mean a simple surge paired with a little bit of water can turn into a lethal event. Installing upgraded GFI outlets, however, can transform a potentially serious accident into a cautionary tale. Sitetech Electrical discusses GFI outlets in more detail below.
GFI Safety Outlets – What Are They?
Due to advances in the electrical code, more homes are being required to install special safety outlets that stop the surge of electricity when grounded. The safety outlets are named Ground Fault Interrupters or GFIs for short. They stop electrical surges due to internal problems or external equipment malfunctions. They are mandatory in bathrooms, garages, spas, kitchens, pools, and a handful of other areas. Basically, any place in a home where water will be present, a GFI will need to be installed by a licensed electrician as a safety measure.
How Do GFI Safety Outlets Work?
GFI outlets are able to recognize when the electricity is flowing outside its proper circuit. When a surge or improper current is detected, the outlet will shut off immediately. For example, if a person has a tool or device plugged into a safety circuit and then somehow sparks a surge, instead of being electrocuted, the outlet will shut off the power. In most cases, this simple difference can save a person’s life.
What Do GFI Safety Outlets Look Like?
Normal electrical outlets and GFI safety outlets look very different from each other. The GFI outlets have two small buttons on the front. One button says reset and the other says test. You can check to see of your GFI is functioning correctly by plugging in a device and then pushing the test function. The electricity should shut off immediately. The recent button restores power to the outlet following a test or after it has been tripped due to a surge on the socket. Advanced GFI outlets are even equipped with a small light that shines green if the socket has power.
Disadvantages of GFI Outlets
The benefits of GFI outlets outweigh the negatives, but we still feel it is a good idea to mention them. GFI outlets can be turned off using the test button without the knowledge of the homeowner. In addition, these sockets will sometimes trip without cause or even become faulty over time. Though these are minor disturbances, it is something that you will have to remain vigilant about.
Home Safety Check With Sitetech Electrical
Ensuring your home has GFIs in critical areas is important. Our skilled electricians are happy to come out and check your bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and more. We offer affordable Richmond Hill residential electrical services and will make sure that your whole house is properly protected. Give us a call at (647) 939-3239 to find out more.
