What is a GFI receptacle?

GFCI stands for Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter. These are also referred to as GFIs, or Ground Fault Interrupters. A GFCI precisely monitors the balance of electrical current moving through a circuit. If the power goes where it shouldn’t, like in a short, the GFCI immediately cuts off the electricity.

What is the difference between a GFI and regular outlet?

Any electrical outlet that is located in an area of the house containing a water source (i.e. bathrooms, kitchen counters, etc.) is required to be outfitted with GFCI technology. A GFCI outlet contains sensors that continuously monitor the surge of electricity within the wiring.

Why do you need GFCI outlets?

GFCI outlets are specially designed to prevent you from dying of electrocution or suffering a severe injury. You’ve most likely seen these outlets in “wet rooms,” next to bathroom or kitchen sinks (as they should be), and they’re actually required in any new home constructions.

Why are GFCI outlets important?

Ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) are used for protection from an electrical ground fault. They will also protect against fires and overheating. A GFCI is a fast-acting circuit breaker designed to turn off electric power in the event of a ground fault.

Can I replace a regular outlet with a GFCI outlet?

You can replace almost any electrical outlet with a GFCI outlet. Correctly wired GFCIs will also protect other outlets on the same circuit. While it’s common to find GFCI outlets in bathrooms and kitchens, there are GFCI outlet requirements.

Are GFI outlets necessary?

Where GFCIs Are Required. GFCI protection is required for 125-volt to 250-volt receptacles supplied by single-phase branch circuits rated 150 volts or less to the ground. GFCI receptacles are required in bathrooms, garages, crawl spaces, basements, laundry rooms and areas where a water source is present.

Which location is not required to be GFCI-protected?

GFCI protection is not required for receptacles that are not readily accessible, such as a ceiling-mounted receptacle for a garage door opener. Nor are they required for a receptacle on a dedicated branch circuit located and identified for a cord-and-plug-connected appliance, such as a refrigerator or freezer.

When should you not use a GFCI?

To avoid nuisance tripping, a GFCI should not supply:

1. Circuits longer than 100 feet.
2. Fluorescent or other types of electric-discharge lighting fixtures.
3. Permanently installed electric motors.

Can you replace a regular outlet with a GFCI outlet?

Where should GFCI outlets be installed?

ALL THE AREAS WHERE YOU SHOULD HAVE GFCI OUTLETS

1. Your home’s exterior. Exterior outlets are located on the outside of your home.
2. Your bathroom. This doesn’t just apply to outlets by the sink.
3. Your garage.
4. Key areas in the kitchen.
5. Near laundry room sinks.
6. Near your water heater.
7. One basement outlet.
8. The crawl space.

Can I put two GFCI outlets on the same circuit?

All GFCIs trip at a current leakage as low as 4 to 5 milliamps. There is no additional safety gained from daisy-chaining two or more GFCIs together. If your home has multiple GFCI outlets on the same circuit, and you trip a downstream GFCI, the lead GFCI will also trip.

What happens if you don’t use a GFCI outlet?

If there is no GFCI upstream, the GFCI will not trip because it doesn’t exist. The overcurrent protection device (the breaker) will not trip because it isn’t a GFCI device and 10ma is not anywhere near an overcurrent.

What’s the difference between 15 and 20 amp GFCI?

There are different pin configurations for 15a and 20a receptacles. A 20a receptacle has one slot that is turned sideways or T shaped to allow a 20amp plug to be used. A 15amp receptacle won’t overload the circuit. Only 15a devices will be allowed to be plugged in.