There’s a tiny device that could be saving your life every day. Most homes, offices, and even recreational buildings have them, but most people know nothing about GFCI outlets. At Nipper Electric your safety is our top priority. For over 18 years, we have been offering the best in Virginia Beach electrical services. To keep you and your family and/or staff safe, some of the services we offer include:
- Electrical Troubleshooting
- Aluminum Wiring and Rewiring
- Meter Box Replacement
- Receptacle Installations
- Carbon Monoxide Detectors
- Panel Upgrades
- Generator Installations
To keep you safe, we are sharing some important information about a tiny lifesaver, GFCI outlets.
What is a GFCI?
The term GFCI stands for Grand Fault Circuit Interrupter. These devices are part of a special safety precaution that is placed on outlets or directly to circuit boxes. They were purposely designed to prevent extremely dangerous electrical shocks that can occur near water or when wires become loose.
How Do GFCIs Work?
When currents travel through wires and sockets, they can sometimes go off course or surge. This causes dangerous currents that can lead to and electric shock or arcing.
The Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter measures the live current that is leaving the power source and compares it to the neutral current that is returning to the power source. If the two currents don’t equal each other in power, the GFCI works to quickly stop the flow of electricity by tripping the current. Optimal trip time is somewhere around 25 milliseconds. The purpose is to stop the current before dangerous or life-threatening electric shocks can occur. After the circuit is interrupted, you must manually reset the outlet by pushing the reset button.
There are two main types of permanent GFCI Installations, those that are circuit breakers installed onto your electrical panel and those that are part of an electrical outlet. If you aren’t sure if you have the proper GFCIs, call our team at Nipper Electric. We are here to help you with any job, no matter how big or small.
Where Do I Need GFCIs?
One of the biggest hazards near electricity is water. Even just a drop can short circuit your outlets or create lethal and dangerous electrical currents.
A GFCI is required by code in any area that is near water. Check these areas for GFCI outlets:
[checklist]
Kitchens- Bathrooms
- Garages
- Outdoor Outlets
- Near Radiators
- Unfinished Basements
- Any Area Near Sinks or Water Sources
- Poolside Areas
- Hot Tubs
- Under Windows That May Frost Over
Kitchens[/checklist]
If you find that any of these areas are missing GFCI outlets or if you find that your panel doesn’t have a GFCI installed, call your trusted electrician immediately. They can help you determine which areas need repair or installations.
Bringing Safety to Your Home or Office
Your home or business should be safe. At Nipper Electric, we love our neighbors and friends in Virginia Beach. We work hard to provide you with the very best in electrical services that you can trust. If you are having trouble with your electrical circuits or have found areas that are in need of GFCI outlets, call us today at 757-842-1710 or make an appointment online. We will make sure your home or office is running smoothly and safely.
