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How does a GFCI outlet work?

When you use specific electrical devices or appliances in your Phoenix home, you run the risk of being shocked if something goes wrong. A GFCI outlet can significantly reduce this risk. These outlets are designed to protect you and your family from electrical shocks that can be deadly.

How does a GFCI outlet work?

What Is a GFCI Outlet?

A ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlet is a kind of outlet that’s responsible for watching how much electricity moves through a circuit. Changes in this electrical flow cause the outlet to stop the flow of power. This helps prevent electrical shocks from occurring when you’re using a hair dryer or other device that you’re physically contacting. Without this type of outlet, you could end up being shocked if there’s a problem with the electrical system.

Is a GFCI Outlet the Same as a Breaker?

A GFCI outlet is not the same as a breaker, although both serve safety purposes. GFCI outlets protect people from electrical shock, while breakers safeguard homes from current overload. Breakers are designed to “trip” if too much current is drawn, preventing electrical fires from starting. A GFCI outlet also shuts off the circuit, but it doesn’t quite work the same way.

How Does a GFCI Outlet Work?

A GFCI outlet keeps track of the amount of current that flows through the hot and neutral conductors. The neutral or grounded conductor is the larger slot on the left on an outlet, while the hot or ungrounded conductor is the slot on the right. Normally, electricity should flow between the hot conductor and the neutral one.

A GFCI outlet watches for imbalances in this flow of electricity and trips the circuit immediately if it detects any. These imbalances can be very small, such as 4 or 5 milliamps, which helps provide reliable protection from electrical shock. The most important part of a GFCI is that when it senses that imbalance, it trips very fast – less than a tenth of a second which saves lives!

Why Do Current Imbalances Occur?

Current imbalances can occur when there’s a problem that affects the grounding path from an electrical device to the ground part of an outlet. The ground is the hole that’s slightly below the slots in an outlet. When an imbalance occurs, the current can pass from the electrical device through the person using it rather than going to the ground. This can result in a potentially fatal shock.

A GFCI outlet expects the electrical current to flow between the hot conductor and the neutral one. When this doesn’t happen, which can occur when the current flows from the hot conductor through the user, the GFCI outlet trips the circuit.

Do GFCI Outlets Always Work?

A GFCI outlet does have a few limitations that you should be aware. It won’t trip the circuit if you happen to touch the hot and neutral conductors at the same time since it won’t detect an imbalance. This means you can get a severe or fatal shock from doing this.

GFCI outlets also won’t work as they should if installed incorrectly. This is why it’s essential to have an electrician wire these outlets if you have new ones installed.

You can tell if GFCI outlets are working correctly by using the test button on them before you use an electrical device. The button should shut the power to the outlet off if it’s working correctly.

Having various types of outlets installed, including a GFCI outlet, requires the assistance of a professional electrician. Contact Turn It On Electric to replace or install any electrical outlets in your home.

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Turn It On Electric

1745 W Deer Valley Rd #110
Phoenix, AZ 85027
Phone: (602) 453-4288

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Testimonials

As the owner of Rictor Contracting, I receive many requests from subcontractors to use their services. Though there are several electricians out there, we use Chad as our electrician EXCLUSIVELY. Whether we need a consultation, a simple switch installed, or we’re doing a complete remodel or addition, Chad is the ONLY electrician we ever use. He excels in his trade and holds the same high standards for customer service and workmanship as we expect from ourselves and our employees for our clients. We are always confident in referring our clients, family, friends and neighbors to Chad because we know we can trust that he will perform the best possible service for them.
— Jeff Hunter
Chad is motivated and an outside of the box thinker. He has provided service for our company many times. He is the one we call anytime there is an electrical issue. We have the greatest confidence in his skills and the ability to provide awesome customer service to our clients.
— Marilee Hunter
Always professional, Chad treats you like a friend. He shows a well rounded knowledge of his field seeing things a non-professional might not. I trust his judgment and ability to perform the work he promises.
— John Burke
I'm a REALTOR so I sometimes need a quick bid for a buyer on a plethora of different items ranging from nonfunctional GFCI's to an entire re-wire and electrical box upgrade when we get the inspection back. I called Turn It On Electric and they were able to get a technician out to give us a bid within 24 hours and had the bid to us within 48 hours of our call. It's hard to find responsive contractors in this day and age that's why I highly recommend them to anyone who needs an electrical contractor.
— Dean C.
Big thanks to TIO and Bill who came out and quickly sorted out our problems.  Good communication, very personable and professional.  Would definitely recommend TIO.
— Rick C.
The team at Turn It On Electric was absolutely fantastic.  The office staff was prompt and friendly, and Pedro was phenomenal.  He was able to do literally everything we asked and was so friendly and helpful.  I was impressed all around and will definitely be using the team at Turn It On again!
— N.T.
I wanted to be sure to give Tyson a shout out. He was quick, thorough, and super nice. Would call you guys again based on my experience with him. Keep it up!
— A.B.
Had a great experience with Turn it on Electric! We needed a few items fixed according to a home inspection. Pedro was very professional and did an excellent job. They were easy to contact and came out the next day. Will definitely be contacting them for future projects.
— Hilary B.
We just wanted to let you know how much we appreciated Turn it on electrical for helping our HOA complex get their lights back on quickly.  Our owners were literally in the dark and did not feel safe.  You got us fixed immediately and your technician Don was beyond knowledgeable and friendly.  Your company will be the Electrical Company of choice for our complex. — Holly Merrill - HOA Manager

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Phone: (602) 453-4288
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