A ground fault circuit interrupter (or “GFCI”) is one of the most Significant life-saving devices ever developed for protecting against serious injury or death caused by electrical shock.
While breakers in an electrical panel are designed to protect wiring, GFCIs protect humans.
A circuit interrupter has a very simple job… it monitors the amount of current flowing out of an outlet and compares it to the current flowing back in. If the GFCI notices a discrepancy between the two, it breaks the circuit and cuts off the flow of electricity immediately.
GFCIs are generally installed where there is plumbing nearby because the main purpose of the GFCI is to turn off the power if there is any risk of an electrical shock close to a water source.
GFCIs are required for use in bathrooms, kitchen counters and laundry rooms plus garages, wet bars, spas, pools and home exteriors.
It is important to test these outlets periodically to make sure they still work… and if you ever have a circuit that is tripping regularly, call a licensed electrician to determine the cause.
