{"id":1007,"date":"2024-04-22T11:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-04-22T15:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.schererelectric.com\/blog\/?p=1007"},"modified":"2024-04-18T13:42:23","modified_gmt":"2024-04-18T17:42:23","slug":"how-gfci-outlets-works-and-why-you-want-them-in-your-house","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.schererelectric.com\/blog\/electrical\/how-gfci-outlets-works-and-why-you-want-them-in-your-house\/","title":{"rendered":"How GFCI Outlets Works and Why You Want Them in Your House"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-medium\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.schererelectric.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/outlet-disassembled.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"300\" height=\"199\" src=\"https:\/\/www.schererelectric.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/outlet-disassembled-300x199.jpg\" alt=\"electrical-parts\" class=\"wp-image-407\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.schererelectric.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/outlet-disassembled-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.schererelectric.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/outlet-disassembled-768x510.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.schererelectric.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/outlet-disassembled.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>A GFCI outlet works by continuously measuring the flow of electrical current in both the &#8220;hot&#8221; and &#8220;neutral&#8221; wires. If it detects a discrepancy between the two\u2014such as when current is leaking out through an unintended path, like a person\u2014the outlet will shut off the power to that circuit instantly. This rapid response prevents serious injury from electric shock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In short, the installation of <a href=\"\/service-areas\/orchard-park-ny\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">GFCI outlets in Orchard Park, NY<\/a> is your best line of defense against electrical shocks. They are especially important in areas where water and electricity may come into contact, such as kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and outdoor areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<!--more-->\n\n\n\n<h2><strong>How to Tell If You Have GFCI Outlets<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Identifying GFCI outlets is relatively easy. Look for outlets with &#8220;Test&#8221; and &#8220;Reset&#8221; buttons on them. These outlets are often found in kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor areas. If you have outlets without these buttons, your home may not be adequately protected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><strong>Why You Need GFCI Outlets in Your Home<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are a few compelling reasons why you should consider installing GFCI outlets in your home:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>Safety:<\/strong> As mentioned earlier, GFCI outlets protect you from electrical shocks, which can be deadly. These outlets are particularly important in areas prone to moisture.<\/li><li><strong>Compliance:<\/strong> In many jurisdictions, building codes require GFCI outlets in certain areas of the home. By installing them, you ensure your home is up to code.<\/li><li><strong>Prevention:<\/strong> GFCI outlets help prevent electrical fires and other hazards by shutting off power to a circuit when a fault is detected.<\/li><li><strong>Peace of Mind:<\/strong> Knowing that your home is protected by GFCI outlets can give you peace of mind, especially if you have young children or elderly family members.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2><strong>Where to Install GFCI Outlets<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As a rule of thumb, you should install GFCI outlets in any room where water and electricity may come into contact. This includes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>Kitchens:<\/strong> Particularly near sinks and countertops where appliances are used.<\/li><li><strong>Bathrooms:<\/strong> Especially near the sink, shower, and bathtub.<\/li><li><strong>Basements:<\/strong> In areas prone to dampness or moisture.<\/li><li><strong>Laundry Rooms:<\/strong> Near washing machines and other appliances.<\/li><li><strong>Garages:<\/strong> Where power tools and equipment are used.<\/li><li><strong>Outdoor Areas:<\/strong> Particularly near pools, patios, and gardens.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2><strong>Work With Licensed Electricians for Installation<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>While installing GFCI outlets might seem straightforward, it&#8217;s crucial to work with licensed electricians to ensure the job is done safely and correctly. At Scherer Electric, our team of skilled electricians can assess your home&#8217;s electrical needs and install GFCI outlets in the right places.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>DIY electrical work can be dangerous, especially when dealing with outlets designed for safety. Don&#8217;t risk injury or damage to your home; always leave electrical work to the professionals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><strong>Make the Upgrade Today<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>GFCI outlets are a critical safety upgrade for any home. Not only do they protect against electrical shocks, but they also help prevent fires and other hazards. At Scherer Electric, we&#8217;re here to help with all your electrical needs, including installing GFCI outlets for your safety and peace of mind. If you have any questions or need assistance with your home&#8217;s electrical system, don&#8217;t hesitate to contact us. Your safety is our top priority!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>Scherer Electric Is Western New York&#8217;s Favorite Electrician! <\/strong><a href=\"\/contact-us\/send-message\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Contact us to help upgrade your home to the latest in residential electrical technology.<\/strong><\/a><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The installation of GFCI outlets in your home is your best line of defense against electrical shocks. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[87],"tags":[109,108],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.schererelectric.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1007"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.schererelectric.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.schererelectric.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.schererelectric.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.schererelectric.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1007"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.schererelectric.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1007\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1008,"href":"https:\/\/www.schererelectric.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1007\/revisions\/1008"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.schererelectric.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1007"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.schererelectric.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1007"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.schererelectric.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1007"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}