What is the purpose of GFCI devices?
You’ve seen them in your bathrooms. Maybe in your kitchen or garage. Those receptacles
with the two buttons that we call GFCI receptacles. But have you wondered why they’re
there?
GFCI is the acronym for Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter. These devices were invented in
1961 and first introduced in the National Electrical Code in 1971 to protect outdoor
receptacles. Over time, areas such as bathrooms, garages and kitchens were added to the
list. Basically anywhere that moisture may occur. Most recently, stoves and dryers have been
included.
How do they work?
In a potential electric shock situation, the GFCI will detect an irregular flow of the current and
trip (shut off). This irregular flow could occur when a person touches an energized surface or
when moisture is present in an electrical circuit that could cause a shock. The GFCI trips so
fast that the person doesn’t experience a shock.
GFCI devices will also trip if moisture is present even without human involvement. Outdoor
receptacles are a good example, where water has intruded in an outdoor box due to rain or
pressure washing. Holiday lighting also causes a number of tripping issues, where moisture
gets into the connection between two strings of lights.
The two buttons on the device are to test and reset. It is recommended that GFCI devices be
tested once a month. Plug-in testers that many home inspectors use do not properly test a
GFCI receptacle. The test button is the only correct way to test.
So why do we have them?
There’s no question that increased protection from electrical hazards is important. GFCI
devices have been in existence for over 50 years, and their reliability is proven. With GFCI
protection in your house, you may never know that when you touched that counter appliance
and the GFCI device tripped, you otherwise could have experienced a lethal shock. The GFCI
device performed as it should.
If your home isn’t up to date with GFCI protection, call our office today to discuss how we can
help make your home as safe as possible.