What to Know with GFCI Installation
- Electrical
Even though you can hardly notice them, a GFCI installation is one of the most importance things to do for your home. GFCI stands for ground fault circuit interrupter. And for residents who have areas in your home with water and electricity nearby, say maybe the kitchen, for example, a GFCI is an absolute must and is required by law to install by the National Electric Code or NEC. Without a GFCI installation, you and your home are vulnerable to electrical shocks, electrical fires, and damage to a lot of your home appliances. And since GFCI’s seem hardly noticeable, a lot of the time homeowners don’t realize whether or not they are already installed in their home. That is why it is important to understand GFCIs, how to test them out, what makes them different from other electrical products, and how you can benefit from them.
GFCI Installation with McHale’s
A GFCI detected any irregular current flows and shuts the power off before things become more serious. This is a huge benefit and a benefit that we want all our customers to experience at McHale’s. Here at McHale’s, we care about the safety of your family and your home, and with GFCI installation we can promise you just that. No home should ever run the risk of a potential fire or an electrical shock, which is why we make it affordable with our current offers to help you get the service you deserve. With high-quality service and experienced electricians ready to handle all electrical services, you can call McHale’s and trust that we will get the job done right. With immediate service, ready to answer your call and arrive right at your doorstep, don’t hesitate and expect great service!
What Does a GFCI Installation Do?
Without a GFCI, you put you and your family at an even bigger risk for electrical problems. Property value for your home will lower due to the high risk of electrical issues. Three main advantages of having a GFCI installation is you first prevent shock. GFCI outlets prevent the possibility of electrocution. The built-in sensor monitors within the outlet and changes the electric flow, shutting down in case a problem arises. Although these outlets might be a little more expensive than the usual outlet, it is definitely worth the investment. They also prevent fires since they detect ground faults. This will aid your home in preventing electrical fires, coupled with the help of electrical fuses. This way, you can ensure that the possibility of an electrical fire occurring is very slim. Third, as time moves on, certain appliances can run a greater risk of being damaged. Electrical currents can damage certain products within your home, which is why using a GFCI is beneficial especially when leaks are detected. The circuit will shut down which will protect your appliances and equipment from being affected.
What’s the Difference Between a GFCI and a Circuit Breaker?
GFCIs and circuit breakers are very different in some cases. With a circuit breaker, it’s job is to protect an electrical circuit from damages that are caused by overloads or short circuiting. They can be reset automatically or manually and thus continue operation. Circuit breakers also come in many sizes, while a GFCI senses leaks in the circuit before they actually break. Even though both are responsible for interrupting electrical shortages, GFCIs are more sensitive since they are used to identify water usage.
Where to Install a GFCI
Before GFCI installation, it is best to figure out first where it should be placed. Since GFCIs detect electrical currents near water, they should be installed in areas of your home that run into moisture or cases where water might splash. Rooms that should include GFCI outlets are bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and garages, as well as other areas of your home where moisture could potentially collect.
How to Test a GFCI
If you already have GFCIs installed in your home, then that’s great! However, if you have a GFCI that was installed before 2006, then you need to test it with a circuit tester. What you will do to test it is first to plug into the outlet an appliance, then push the test button. If the power goes off then great, the GFCI is still working. Simple enough, right? When pressing the reset button, you will be able to restore power. If the power does not go off when you test it, that means the GFCI is no longer working correctly. New GFCIs give you an automatic warning when they no longer work and the power will shut off on its own. This means you should schedule a GFCI installation or replacement.
What’s the Difference Between a GFCI and an AFCI?
A GFCI is different from an AFCI or an Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter because an AFCI recognizes arc faults which you can find in the wiring. A GFCI protects from electric shock, while AFCIs protect against faulty wiring. This can result from humidity or heat, extended mechanical or voltage stress, or simply age. When wires are damaged by say nails or other items that can puncture a wire, such as animal bites or bent wires that cause cord damage, that is when arc faults occur.
Understanding a GFCI and its use is very important, so don’t leave your home at risk without one – call McHale’s today for immediate service or schedule an appointment for a GFCI installation!
