Without sufficient protection in your electrical system, the risk of electrical shocks and fires is high. Fortunately, you can have your electrical contractor install a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) to safeguard your home from such electrical hazards.
You're likely to find GFCI outlets installed in laundry rooms and kitchens where there could be water. Furthermore, national code requires that every home installs GFCI protection.
Check out the amazing ways GFCI outlets benefit your home.
Prevent Electric Shocks
GFCI outlets monitor electric flow in a circuit. If the slightest amount of electricity flows through a wrong path, the GFCI outlets shut off the current flow and prevents electric shocks. GFCIs have sensors that can detect even the smallest amounts of leakage current. The circuit interrupters then trip to reduce the risks of shocks or fires.
For instance, if your appliance has a metallic surface and a livewire touches it, you will suffer electric shock if you touch the appliance's surface. If, however, you connect your appliance or electrical device into a GFCI outlet, the outlet senses a discrepancy in the electric current. The GFCI then cuts off power to prevent accidental shock.
Avert Fire Risks
Electrical current leakage accounts for over 51,000 electrical fires each year. With age, your home's electrical wiring insulation can wear out. This deterioration leaves the wires exposed and loose, which places your home at risk of electrical fire if a power surge occurs.
A power surge can occur if lightning strikes. Other causes of power surges are:
- Power restoration after a blackout
- Electrical overload
- Faulty wiring
Power surges can destroy your appliances and electrical outlets or, even worse, cause electrical fires. Fortunately, GFCIs reduce the chances of a fire breaking out after current leakage in the event of a power surge. With GFCI outlets in place, your home won't go up in smoke due to a power surge.
Protect Your Electrical Devices
Unfortunately, persistent current leakage eventually damages your appliances. In fact, an appliance may work just fine, but it won't serve its expected lifespan if there's a current leak.
With a GFCI outlet, only the right amount of current flows through your appliances. If the current leaks, the GFCI outlet senses the problem and trips to make sure your electrical devices don't sustain damage. You won't have to spend a ton of money repairing or replacing damaged, expensive appliances.
If you still have the traditional outlets in your home, consider an upgrade to GFCI outlets to enhance your safety and that of your expensive appliances. Enlist a professional electrical contractor to install GFCIs in your home today.