The warm weather that we have been experiencing has prompted many of us to get outdoors and do stuff. Like me, some of you, pulled out your power tools and put them to use which leads me to think about how important ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) type electrical outlets are.Most people have seen this type of outlet but few understand why it is located in specific areas of our homes or what its purpose is. I’m going to try and fill in the blanks for you here.

Before I describe how a GFCI type outlet works you will need a basic understanding of how electrical current travels through circuits. In a properly installed conventional, non-GFCI three-prong outlet the smaller vertical “hot” slot provides a path for electrical current to travel to whatever we have plugged into the outlet. The second larger vertical “neutral” slot provides a path for electrical current to travel away from whatever we have plugged into it once it has been used. Electrical current will always try to complete this circle commonly called a “circuit”. The third circular “ground” slot provides an alternate path for current to travel across when something abnormal has occurred that prevents the current from getting to the neutral side of the outlet to complete the circuit. At the same time this will cause a fuse to blow or a breaker to trip so that electricity cannot continue to travel through the now abnormal circuit and cause a fire or allow a person to be electrocuted. Think of it as a safety net. If the “ground” part of the system is not working properly fire and/or electrocution will likely occur.

GFCI outlets are similar in appearance to modern three-prong outlets but have two rectangular buttons labeled “test” and “reset” located in the center. This type of outlet is designed to immediately stop electricity from flowing through an abnormal circuit even if the “ground” part of the system is not working properly, in other words, when it is faulty. You can think of a GFCI outlet as a second, larger safety net.

They are required to be located in and around areas of our homes where moisture is prevalent such as exterior walls, bathrooms, kitchens, garages, etc. because risk of electrical shock is greater in these areas.

If you would like more information about GFCI Protection Devices or Electrical Systems please contact me at dkingfullserviceinspector@gmail.com