Not only is GFCI outlet installation necessary for safety, but it is also required for compliance with the NEC. GFCI outlets are crucial to ensure you and your electronics are protected from an electric shock.
Dissolved ions and impurities in water can conduct electricity and cause electric currents to be rerouted or to short-circuit. This is why outlet placement near damp areas is mandatory.
Are GFCI Outlets Required in Bathrooms?
Most people keep multiple electrical devices in their bathrooms. Hairdryers, electric razors, and electric toothbrushes all require access to electricity but are likely used close to water, too. This leaves them vulnerable to exposure to excess moisture.
The NEC requires every bathroom to have at least one GFCI-protected outlet. It’s better to have two or three installed by a professional electrician. Still, the number of outlets you choose to protect is up to you.
GFCI outlets shut off power immediately when an electrical imbalance is detected. This accomplishes two vital things:
- Protects you from receiving a shock
- Protects your electronics
Short circuits can cause substantial damage to electrical devices and severe injuries to your body. A GFCI outlet can help prevent these occurrences by cutting the flow of electricity before the damage is done.
What If My Bathroom Doesn’t Have GFCI Outlets?
If your Gloucester, VA, home was built before the 1970s, your bathroom is not likely to have GFCI outlets. Are GFCI outlets required in bathrooms if your home is over fifty years old?
Updating your home with GFCI outlets may be required if you plan to sell your home. But it’s also an important safety feature that will protect you and your loved ones for years to come.
Don’t allow yourself to remain vulnerable to personal injuries or electrical fires. You can hire a certified electrician to quickly complete the installation process within your budget.
A knowledgeable electrician will update your antiquated outlets and electrical system to meet current national and local codes and regulations.
GFCI Installation Process
GFCI outlets have been mandatory for areas within six feet of a water source since the 1970s. However, many older homes in Gloucester, VA, still do not meet national and local building codes. Fortunately, GFCI outlet installation is a relatively inexpensive and straightforward job for a professional electrician.
Using a qualified electrician to install GFCI outlets in your home will ensure every outlet that needs replacing is up to code and as safe as possible. The technician will move to each outlet, turning off the power to each section before replacing the old outlet with an updated, safer model.
You can talk to your electrician about how to get the most out of your GFCI outlet. They can advise you on how to avoid unnecessarily tripping your outlet. This is when your GFCI turns your outlet off repeatedly, making you constantly need to reset the outlet.
To prevent unwanted trips, avoid the following:
- Overloading the GFCI outlet
- Installing a cable longer than 100 feet
- Placing an outlet too close to a water source
- Using a GFCI outlet to power a fluorescent light
Another common cause for unnecessary tripping is due to poor installation. That’s why you should always let a professional complete your GFCI outlet installation.
Testing Your GFCI Outlet
GFCI outlets are an essential part of protecting your appliances, your home, and your family. It’s critical to test them regularly to ensure they remain working correctly. For maximum safety, test your outlets once a month by doing the following:
- Plug a small device into the GFCI outlet
- Turn the device on
- Press the test button and listen for a click
- The device should shut off as the reset button pops out
- Press the reset button, and the GFCI protection will resume
If the small device does not shut off when you press the test button, call an electrician right away to replace your old GFCI outlet. GFCI outlets that are not working can lead to severe injuries.
Why You Need a Professional Electrician For Installation
If GFCI outlets are not correctly installed, they can cause electrical shock, electrocution, fires, or other substantial damage. Qualified technicians are trained on the current codes and ensure your outlets meet or exceed the minimum standards.
If your GFCIs need replacing, or your home doesn’t have any at all, find an electrician in Gloucester, VA, that you can trust: Asbury Electric.
Quality GFCI Outlet Installation in Gloucester, VA
When you need a professional electrician to update your outlets, call Asbury Electric. Our licensed electricians will work diligently to install your outlets as quickly and safely as possible. We proudly serve Gloucester, VA, and the surrounding areas with quality electrical services.
Our friendly team is here to help with your outlet installation. In an urgent situation, our emergency 24-hour electricians will even fix your problem right away. Contact us today to see what we can do for you!
