The safety benefits of GFCI outlets are crucial for every home.
Every home is required to be equipped with GFCI outlets or Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters. These outlets are often placed in areas throughout the house that are typically wet areas. These rooms can include bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, crawl spaces, garages, and more. Although the National Electrical Code requires GFCI outlets, there are several compelling reasons why you should want GFCI outlets in your home. To learn more about the safety benefits of GFCI outlets, read on for the details behind these innovations.
Electrical Shock Prevention
GFCI outlets are built to monitor the flow of electricity. Inside the outlet sits a sensor that can detect when electricity flows along an unintended path. If you plug an electrical device into your GFCI outlet, and it comes into contact with water, the outlet will immediately shut off all power to that device. Because GFCI outlets can detect the slightest changes in the electrical current, they are excellent for preventing electrical shocks in high-risk areas like bathrooms and kitchens.
Electrical Fire Prevention
Another one of the crucial safety benefits of GFCI outlets is their ability to prevent electrical fires. Over time, the wiring in your home can experience wear and tear, and the insulation can deteriorate. These damages can then cause electrical currents to leak, and this leakage can cause shock hazards or even spark electrical fires in your home. By installing GFCI outlets, you can lower the risk of electrical fires in your home by a whopping 80%.
Electrical Device Damage Prevention
Electricity leaks can also damage your devices over time. GFCI outlets function by transferring the same amount of power from the source to the appliance and back in a continuous loop. If any electricity leaks, the GFCI trips itself cutting all power to the device. GFCI outlets then help prevent damage to your devices by preventing these electrical leaks from affecting your devices. This, in turn, helps your device or appliance enjoy its maximum “lifetime” expectancy.
These safety benefits of GFCI outlets are all crucial features of these innovative outlets. GFCIs are equipped to limit any risk before their electrical power can hurt people, homes, or devices.
For ALL of Your Residential or Commercial Electrical Needs, Call TriStar Electric!
No matter the job, big or small, the professionals at TriStar Electric will be happy to discuss your project and answer any questions or concerns you may have. We offer free in-home consultations, plus an after-hours and emergency phone line for advice or service!
If you have any questions about our electrical repairs or upgrades, please contact TriStar Electric, Maryland’s premier residential and commercial electrician, by calling 410-799-5791 or 301-384-8880. Or, you can fill out the contact form on our website.
Are you looking for a quality electrician in Maryland, Washington DC, Southern Pennsylvania, or Northern Virginia? Take a look at TriStar Electric’s online reviews and ratings on Angie’s List, Yelp, Google, Facebook, Better Business Bureau of Greater Maryland, and Better Business Bureau Greater Mid-Atlantic. You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and YouTube!