A ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) is designed with your safety in mind. Both GFCI outlets and GFCI breakers are available. Some devices have GFCIs built in, most commonly seen on hair dryers. These GFCIs are there to trip and stop the current whenever they detect variations in the current entering and leaving the GFCI. This can prevent a person from being shocked.
GFCIs require regular testing to ensure they are continuing to function as intended. At minimum, they should be tested:
- After installation
- Monthly (typical; be sure to follow any manufacturer instructions)
- Following a power outage
Be sure to follow any directions supplied by the manufacturer. If you do not have directions from your manufacturer, you can try to reach the manufacturer for a copy of the directions that apply to your device.
To test a GFCI, you can follow these steps:
- Plug a lamp into the outlet and turn it on.
- Press the GFCI test button. The lamp should turn off. If the lamp does not turn off, your GFCI needs to be inspected by an electrician.
- Press the GFCI reset button. The lamp should turn on. If the lamp does not turn on, your GFCI needs to be inspected by an electrician.
If you live in a home built before 2005, there may be some areas of your home that are not yet protected by GFCIs that should be upgraded to improve safety. Below are the areas where GFCIs are required by the National Electric Code and the year in which that requirement was enacted (we have omitted some changes to areas over time):
- Underwater pool lighting (since 1968)
- Receptacles:
- Outdoors (since 1973)
- Bathrooms (since 1975)
- Garages (since 1978)
- Kitchen countertop – near sinks (since 1987)
- Crawl spaces and unfinished basements (since 1990)
- Near wet bar sinks (since 1993)
- Kitchen countertop, whether near a sink or not (since 1996)
- Within 6 ft of utility sinks (since 2005)
- In laundry area, whether near a sink or not (since 2014)
Some local jurisdictions adopt what is called a “local amendment” to the National Electric Code to permit specific appliances, such as a sump pump, to operate without a GFCI in an area that would otherwise require one, such as a basement. Check with a knowledgeable, local, licensed electrician that can explain any local amendments to you, or check with your local jurisdiction for any amendments to the electrical code.
When in doubt about any electrical procedure, please do not attempt it yourself. Reach out to the pros at Brighter Tomorrow Electric Company.