“What does a GFCI do?” is a question asked by property owners throughout Pima and Maricopa counties. A ground fault is an electrical path between an electric source and a grounded surface.
“GFCI” is the acronym for “ground fault circuit interrupter.” GFCIs monitor the flow of electricity.
Outdoor home and commercial property receptacles have been in compliance with the National Electrical Code (NEC) since the early 1970s. Later, bathroom and garage wall receptacles were included. It wasn’t until 1987 that the GFCI codes included kitchens.
What Does a GFCI Do and Where Does It Go?
If there’s an imbalance between the electrical current flowing through your circuit and the power returning to the circuit, the GFCI shuts off the electricity. This can prevent shocks and fire.
All breakers, circuits, sockets, and switches should be GFCI-protected for safety, especially in rooms where water is used. What is a GFCI device? It may be the very thing that keeps you safe if there’s an electrical mishap.
There are 3 types of GFCI devices:
- Circuit breakers – GFCI circuit breakers provide protection against overloads. They protect all fixtures on that circuit; appliances, fans, lights, outlets, etc. Retrofitting a home with GFCI circuit breakers is easier than replacing numerous outlets. But if you have a “fuse box,” you may want to consider replacing it also.
- Portable GFCIs – If you need GFCI protection but don’t have a nearby outlet, you can use a portable GFCI strip.
- Receptacles – A receptacle is a plug-in site or GFCI outlet. Re-wiring an older receptacle to become a GFCI outlet is a job for your local electrician.
DIY Test for GFCI Outlets
Just as you schedule annual plumbing inspection and bi-annual HVAC maintenance, GFCI testing is something your Phoenix-area local electrician does during routine maintenance.
You can DIY (do-it-yourself) test GFCI outlets:
Look at the outlet cover. Between the 2 plug-ins are two buttons, “test” and “reset.” (If it’s red, it’s the reset button. Test buttons are sometimes black.)
- Press the test button. You may hear a “Snap!” sound. That means you turned off the power.
- Press the reset button to restore power.
GFCI Tester
A GFCI tester has 3 lights that can tell you if the outlet is correctly wired. It can also reveal problems:
- Open/improper ground
- Open hot/neutral
- Reversed hot/ground
- Reversed polarity
To use a GFCI tester:
- Press the reset button on the outlet.
- Plug in the portable tester.
- Push the test button on the tester.
- The power should shut off.
- Press the reset button on the outlet.
If the power remains on, you need to replace the GFCI. A GFCI tester is a good investment for your home. Speak to your professional electrician about this.
Ask Questions Before You DIY
Knowledge is power. It’s okay to call Turn It On Electric with questions about electrical wiring for your home or business. We’ll answer your questions honestly and we won’t try to “lock you into” electrical service you don’t need or want. Contact Turn It On Electric to learn more.
