GFCI
Are you safe from electrical shock in your kitchen, bathroom, and garage?
At In Charge Electric, we want you and your family to be safe from electrical shock. One sure way to do this is to have GFCI receptacles where they are needed most.
What is a GFCI receptacle, and what does it do?
GFCI stands for Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter. The GFCI receptacle has been designed to protect you and your family from electrical shock.
Electrical current on standard devices travels in two wires: the hot and the neutral wires. The GFCI monitors these currents. When there is a difference in current in the hot and neutral wires, the GFCI will interrupt the household circuits, causing the GFCI to cut off automatically.
Both GFCI receptacles and GFCI breakers are very sensitive. Most circuit breakers are programmed to cut off at 15 to 20 amperes. Still, they can be electrocuted with 100 milliamps—not even one amp. A typical hair dryer uses 13 amps.
There are two types of Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter protection:
- GFCI Receptacle
- GFCI Breaker
The GFCI Receptacle and the GFCI Circuit Breaker will detect a few milliamps of electricity, causing the breaker to turn off and avoiding a potential shock hazard.
The GFCI Receptacle and the GFCI Circuit Breaker save lives and protect persons from injury, but only if installed correctly. Unfortunately, they are often not.
The first thing you can do to start protecting your family is to learn where in your home or business a GFCI should be installed.
GFCIs are required in kitchens, bathrooms, garages, and all outdoor outlets. Specific rules must also be followed regarding GFCI breakers and outlets. That is where In Charge Electric can help you today!
If you have any questions or concerns about your electrical outlets and if they are safe, then please call your local electricians today at (352) 350-7878, or use our online Request Service form.
