GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter)
We, at Vetter Electric Company feel that GFCI's, along with smoke detectors, are the greatest life saving devices to come to market. GFCI's come in the form of a circuit breaker or receptacle outlet. To understand GFCI's we must know that electricity is attracted to, and in constant search for the ground (earth). This is displayed every time lightening strikes the earth. A GFCI is a kind of "leak" detector. Whenever electrical current flows, it goes out of an outlet, through an appliance and then back into the outlet to continue its path safely to the ground. A GFCI electronically measures what goes out and what comes back in and if it detects that some electricity has not come back, it knows it has escaped to the ground through an unauthorized path and could be electrocuting someone. This causes the GFCI to trip out instantaneously.
Here are some areas of your home that should have GFCI protection:
- Kitchen counters (all outlets, not just near sinks)
- Bathrooms
- Unfinished basements
- Garages
- Exterior outlets
- Outlets within six feet of any sink
- Any other damp area or where water is dispensed or used
- Pools and hot tubs
How can I tell if I already have GFCI protection?
GFCI breakers (located in your breaker panel) and various outlets throughout your home will have a test button or a test and reset button that can be visibly seen. Other outlets nearby may be connected down line from a GFCI breaker or outlet and may be covered by their GFCI protection. If you have any doubt about GFCI protection for a single outlet, or for any of the recommended or required areas of your home, just give us a call and have it looked at by a qualified electrician. We are here to help you!
Did you know?
...concrete conducts electricity.
Many people have asked "Since I have a bone dry basement (or garage) why do I still need GFCI protection?" The answer is that bare skin in contact with concrete is a great path for electricity to travel to the ground.
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