Updated: January 26, 2025
Ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets are a must-have safety component for all houses. If there is a ground fault, these outlets will immediately turn off the electricity to avoid electric shock and other hazards.
There are a variety of GFCI outlets available, and each one has its own specific use. Kitchens, bathrooms and basements are typical locations for the basic GFCI outlet because of the high likelihood of electrical and water interaction in these places. You can check that these wall outlets are working properly by pressing the “test” or “reset” buttons.
GFCI circuit breakers, typically installed in the electrical panel, provide the best protection for areas with multiple outlets, such as large kitchens or workshops, as they can safeguard an entire circuit. Plugging in portable GFCIs, which offer temporary protection through a regular outlet, is another alternative. They are especially helpful for outdoor activities or construction sites. Weatherproof GFCI outlets work best in settings that need protection from snow, ice and humidity. Improving your Crandall home with GFCI outlets is worth the investment for many reasons.
1. Protects Against Electrical Shock
The capacity to prevent electrical shock is a major advantage of GFCI outlets. Their ability to monitor electrical current allows them to swiftly cut power when they detect an imbalance, such as when power is flowing through water or a person’s body. Because of how quickly they react, GFCI outlets are an essential safety element in places where both water and electricity are present. They help to avoid major injuries and even death caused by electrical shocks.
2. Prevents Electrical Fires
GFCI outlets lessen the likelihood of fires caused by overheating and electrical arcing through the recognition and interruption of ground faults. It’s imperative to use them in high-risk areas where fires are often caused by electrical problems, broken appliances or faulty wiring. Such places include kitchens, bathrooms and laundry rooms.
3. Required by Building Codes
The increased danger of electrical shock makes GFCI protection a code requirement in spaces that have a lot of water usage or humidity, including bathrooms, kitchens, basements, laundry rooms and outside spaces. Not only is it the law, but following these guidelines will make sure your house is safe for the people living there by preventing electrical risks. Code violations and possible safety hazards may arise from the failure to install GFCI outlets where necessary.
4. Easy to Test and Reset
Ensuring the continued operation and protection of the GFCI outlet requires regular testing, preferably once a month. There are convenient “test” and “reset” buttons located on GFCI outlets that make it easy to check if they are working properly. Pressing the “test” button should turn off the power to the GFCI outlet. Then, pressing the “reset” button will turn it back on.
5. Improves Home Safety for Children
You can make your home safer for kids by installing GFCI outlets in high-traffic areas like kitchens, bathrooms and playrooms. This will help reduce the likelihood of electrical hazards. With this extra safeguard against electrical shock, parents can rest easy knowing that their children are less vulnerable to accidents involving electrical currents.
6. Reduces Risk of Electrical Damage
GFCI outlets do much more than protect your home against electrical hazards, like electrical fires. In the event of an electrical problem, they prevent the need for expensive repairs or replacement of wiring and appliances. This means your appliances will last longer and perform better.
7. Easy and Affordable to Install
The installation of GFCI outlets is simple and cheap in comparison to the expense of fixing damage that occurs because of electrical failures or accidents. A licensed electrician can install standard GFCI outlets in your home for a fair price, and doing so will greatly increase your home’s security.
8. Helps Maintain Compliance With Insurance Policies
To comply with your insurance policy’s requirements, which can be vital in the case of a claim, installing GFCI outlets is a good first step. By lowering the chance of electrical-related catastrophes, meeting these regulations can help lower your insurance costs while also protecting your house.
9. Can Be Installed in Older Homes
Because they are compatible with both new and older homes, GFCI outlets provide a flexible way to improve safety in a wide range of properties. Adding these outlets might bring your home up to current safety requirements if it is older and does not have GFCI protection.
10. Versatile for Various Applications
In addition to being useful in kitchens and bathrooms, GFCI outlets have many other potential uses throughout the rest of the home. They offer protection from electrical hazards in a variety of settings, including basements, garages, workshops and outdoor spaces. Because of their versatility, they are a worthwhile investment for providing home safety and shielding any area from possible electrical problems. We can help you decide where to install these outlets in your home.
How Much Do GFCI Outlets Cost?
What you pay for GFCI outlets is totally dependent on the type you get and how you have them installed. Standard ground fault circuit interrupter outlets cost about $10 to $20 each whereas GFCI circuit breakers can cost $30 to $70. You should expect to pay between $15 and $25 for a portable GFCI. Depending on the job’s intricacy and local labor rates, hiring a professional to install the system can increase the total cost by an additional $100 to $200. The safety and security they offer more than justify the upfront cost.
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What to Expect During a GFCI Outlet Upgrade
Performing a GFCI outlet upgrade is typically a simple procedure that requires only a few steps. A qualified electrician will first inspect your current outlets. They will consider both your home’s design and the requirements of the building code, which will help decide where to install GFCI outlets.
The next step is to turn off the electricity to the circuit, remove the old outlets and then install new GFCI versions. After that, the electrician will use the “test” and “reset” buttons on each GFCI outlet to make sure they work properly. While the work is performed, there may be a temporary interruption to your electrical service. It may take a few hours to complete the job, but it really depends on how complicated your home’s electrical system is and how many outlets you want replaced.
How to Take Care of GFCI Outlets
Be careful not to overload the outlets in your home with too many high-power gadgets. Make sure that you test them frequently. Additionally, make sure the outlets are dry. Contact a certified electrician for examination or repair if an outlet exhibits signs of damage, such as cracks or scorch marks, or if it trips frequently.
Accurate Home Services specializes in electrical repairs, outlet upgrades, HVAC installations, heat pump maintenance, indoor air quality solutions like duct cleaning, EV charging and more. Contact us to schedule an outlet upgrade for your home in Crandall, TX.