When it comes to ensuring electrical safety at home or at any establishment, GFCI installation has always been considered an essential item in the checklist.
What is a GFCI Device and How Does It Work?
A GFCI, or better known as the Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter. It’s a device that is designed to detect and respond to fluctuations in the electrical current, however mild they may be, by automatically turning off the power to the outlet. In other words, every time a GFCI device detects an irregularity in the current, it automatically cuts off the flow of electricity. With its potential in eradicating electrical hazards, licensed electricians and safety specialists strongly recommend GFCI installation in areas where moisture or water is present.
To detect electrical short circuits or overloads, a GFCI device begins its job by measuring the amount of electrical current that is moving to neutral from hot. The moment it senses a difference between the amount of electricity flowing in and the amount of electricity flowing out of the circuit, it immediately reacts by tripping or shutting the circuit off. This works even with a gap as low as 4 milliamps.
If you haven’t made up your mind yet, below are GFCI benefits that should finally convince you to invest in the device:
Benefit #1: It helps prevent electric shock.
There are a number of ways to be burnt and one of them is being electric shocked. Although it does not always kill, the effects can be horrible, paralytic, and long-lasting. Not to mention, electric shocks can also act as a fire hazard. That said, with water being a good electricity conductor, one of the great ways to reduce, if not totally prevent, the likelihood of hurtful electric shocks and fire hazards is by installing a GFCI outlet by your favorite licensed electricians in Arvada, CO. Wherever water is present, you’ll want to install a GFCI outlet. It’s good to have a GFCI in bathrooms, the kitchen, or utility room.
Benefit #2: Child Safety
Kids are naturally curious but not all of them are aware of the perils of dealing with electrical wires and power outlets. The young ones carelessly poke things into power outlets in the name of fun; if left unattended, the consequences can be fatal. This is where GFCI outlets come in handy. Outlets with GFCIs can easily detect foreign objects; as soon as they do, they automatically shut off the power, sparing kids the dangers they would have to deal with. Click the link for more child safety tips.
Benefit #3: Compliance with the Electrical Code
The electrical code mandates that residential and commercial property owners must install GFCI outlets in bathrooms, kitchens, garages, laundry rooms, and any outdoor areas where moisture is likely present. Those with homes over 20 years old can easily ask help from a nearby electrician for a reliable electrical system upgrade and GFCI outlet installation.
Benefit #4: GFCI outlets prevent electrical fires.
No matter how meticulous we are when it comes to ensuring electrical safety in our homes, the reality is there is no such thing as perfect and consistent monitoring. And one simple miss can already increase fire risks.
GFCIs are not like fire extinguishers; they cannot kill fire but they can prevent it, which is far better.
Planning to have your outlets replaced with GFCIs? For an Arvada electrical repair, and all your electrical service and upgrade needs do not hesitate to give us a call at ElectriCall. People in the state have been trusting us for a reason.