![]() If the appliance’s outer body isn’t metal, then you won’t get a shock but the constant leakage of the current will damage the equipment in the long run. Some amount of electric current starts to leak through these cracks into the appliances and other electronic items. If not a break, there will certainly be a few cracks in the insulation. There is a good chance that the insulation of an appliance will break over time. You might argue that electrical fuses also provide basic protection against electrical fires, however, when you combine them with GFCI outlets, the chances of electrical fires erupting and harming you and your loved ones will almost reduce to zero. When you install GFCI outlets, you are effectively preventing electrical fires from occurring. They are responsible for causing electrical fires. One of the main functions of a GFCI outlet is to detect the ground faults, which occur when the flow of electrical current leave a circuit. They will be heavier on your pockets as compared to regular outlets, but the safety advantage will definitely outweigh the cost disadvantage in the long run. If a live wire inside the appliance comes in contact with the metallic surface of the appliance, you will get a shock when you touch it.However, if you plug the appliance into the GFCI outlet, then it will notice if there is any change in the electrical flow which may occur due to a loose wire and it will instantly shut down the power. A GFCI outlet helps in preventing shocks and electrocutions as it has a built-in sensor that monitors the inflow and outflow of the electricity from any appliance. This becomes a bigger concern if you have kids who can unknowingly touch the appliances and get a shock. ![]() If the GFCI outlet is tripping often, it probably needs further investigation by a certified electrician as it could also be a result of worn out insulation, accumulated dust, or deteriorated wiring.Īpart from the peace of mind that you and your family are protected against electrocutions, installing GFCI outlets will help you:Įlectrical shocks and electrocution are the major risks that you can be exposed to through electrical devices at your home. This is why periodic testing is very important to ensure that the GFCI outlet is functional at all times. The ground fault circuit interrupter is essentially designed to avert ground faults by immediately disrupting the flow of current from the outlet. Why Does the GFCI Outlet Trip and What to do When it Trips GFCI outlets should also be installed on temporary wiring systems during construction, renovation or maintenance of structures that are using power temporarily. Initially, it was only required for you to install GFCI outlets near water but this requirement has been extended to cover all single phase outlets of 125 volts in recent years. According to National Electric Code (NEC), all homes must be equipped with GFCI protection. Apart from being an essential preventive measure, the law also requires you to have GFCI outlets installed throughout your home. Installing GFCI outlets in your kitchen, bathrooms, laundry rooms, pool house etc., is a good idea. GFCI outlets are important, especially when the electrical outlets are positioned close to water. So, if you are using a hair dryer for instance and it slips into a sink that is filled with water, the GFCI outlet will immediately sense the interruption and cut the power to ensure electrical safety in the bathroom and beyond. If it detects any change in the electrical flow in the circuit, it will immediately cut off the flow of electricity. It has three holes: two of the holes are for neutral and hot wire and the third hole in the middle of the outlet serves as a ground wire. The GFCI is integrated in the electrical outlet and constantly tracks the current flowing in a circuit to sense fluctuations in real-time. ![]() It also detects ground faults and disrupts the flow of current but should not be used to replace a fuse as it does not offer protection against short circuits and overloading. The GFCI outlet protects electrical wiring from overheating and possible fire, greatly minimizing the risk of shock injuries and fatal burns. Self-Testing Your Ground Fault Circuit InterrupterĪ ground fault circuit interrupter Outlet (GFCI outlet) is a protective device specifically designed to break the circuit every time there is an imbalance between incoming and outgoing current.Why Does the GFCI Outlet Trip and What to do When it Trips.
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