Does your home have adequate GFCI protected outlets?
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) protected outlets are crucial safety devices for any home to prevent electrocution and fires caused by electrical shorts. These outlets work by shutting off the electrical current instantly when a ground fault is detected, which can occur when electricity flows through a person's body. Since their introduction in 1975, there has been an 80% reduction in home electrocutions, making them an essential safety upgrade for any home.
I have a personal story that highlights the importance of GFCI protected outlets. When my family and I moved into our first home, which was built in the 1950s, there were no GFCI outlets. As a precaution, I installed them in the bathroom, as this was the standard for new construction at the time. I had 2 young daughters. My youngest was a 3 year old that eventually earned the nickname Stephersizer, after the energizer bunny, because she was such a busy girl and was challenge to keep up with. Within months I walked in the bathroom to find Stephanie with a plugged-in hairdryer totally submerged in the sink because according to her “it needed to be cleaned”! Thanks to the GFCI outlet, the power had been cut off, and Stephanie was unharmed. I shudder to think what could have happened if I hadn't installed the GFCI outlet. I’m happy to report that we will be celebrating Stephanie’s wedding next month!
Current safety standards for new construction require installation of GFCI protected outlets in all areas where water may be present. These include:
Bathrooms
Kitchens
Unfinished basements
Laundry rooms
Crawlspaces
Garages
All outdoor outlets
If your home was built before these requirements, you are not obligated to install them. However, upgrading to GFCI protected outlets in these areas may be the most crucial and inexpensive safety upgrade you can do for your home.
If you're unsure whether your home has GFCI protection, it's essential to have an inspection done by a licensed professional. Part of a standard NJ home inspection includes checking the outlets for GFCI protection in the areas listed above and testing them for proper function. A licensed electrician can install GFCI outlets for you, ensuring your family's safety.
In conclusion, GFCI protected outlets are crucial safety devices that can prevent serious injury or even death from electrocution and fires caused by electrical shorts. Upgrading to GFCI outlets is an inexpensive and essential safety upgrade for your home, especially in areas where water may be present. Don't wait until an accident happens – install GFCI protected outlets today and keep your family safe!
For additional information on GFCI outlets follow this link to an article by This Old House. This Old House GFCI info
