Category: Outlets / Switches

It’s almost impossible to imagine how the world as we know it today would look like without electricity. We definitely wouldn’t be able to do half of the things we so easily take for granted – such as taking a hot shower in winter or enjoying an iced tea during summer.

Electricity is without doubt one of mankind’s greatest discoveries but it can have devastating effects if not handled properly. Getting shocked or electrocuted is a likely risk. However, the advent of GFCIs (ground fault circuit interrupters) has greatly reduced these risks.

So What Exactly Are GFCI Outlets?
Before we take a look at GFCI Outlets, an understanding of ground faults is necessary. The term “ground fault” refers to the phenomenon in which electrical current bypasses the intended path, usually due to a broken cord or poor insulation, and flows instead through an unintended conductor down to the ground. If it so happens that the unintended “conductor” is a living being, that could lead to severe shocks (or worse, death from electrocution).

This is where GFCIs come in.

What does a GFCI plug do?

A ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlet is designed solely to protect people from electrical shocks. When there is an electrical imbalance, a GFCI outlet will automatically trip, protecting you from potential harm. Although GCFIs can also sense ground faults and cut off power, this doesn’t mean you should use them instead of fuses because they won’t prevent short circuits or overloads.

The GFCI is built right into the wall outlet and monitors the current in a circuit in real time, allowing it to detect any changes that could be dangerous. So, if you’re using an electric clipper and it slips from your hand and falls into the bathtub while it’s full of water, the GFCI outlet automatically shuts off the power to prevent any further electrical shock. This is what makes GFCI Outlets different from the average electrical outlet you find in your home – they don’t have such sensors.

Where Should You Install GFCI Outlets In Your Home?

Having GFCI outlets installed is crucial in areas where there is a high risk of electrical shock due to proximity to water. Kitchens, shower rooms, workshops, basements, garages, swimming pools, jacuzzis, fixtures, and anywhere else water and electricity might come into contact all require GFCI protection.

There was a time when GFCI outlets were only required near water, but now they must be installed in all 125-volt, single-phase outlets. Therefore, all dwellings must have ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) installed, as per the NEC. It’s also a good idea to install GFCI Outlets on temporary wiring systems used during maintenance work or building renovations.

Installing A GFCI Outlet In Your Home

While you can easily follow DIY instructions for installing a GFCI outlet, if you want peace of mind that your home is safe from electrical fires, it is best to hire a licensed electrician who can inspect your system and make sure it complies with all applicable regulations.

The Electric Connection offers reasonably priced, high-quality GFCI outlets for residential installation. If you want to learn more, please get in touch with us here.

Having a faulty outlet can be hazardous. The start of a house fire can be a faulty outlet. And as an electrical problem it’s not one that you can simply DIY and call it a day.

When noticed, the best reaction would be to call a professional immediately to troubleshoot it and fixed properly. However, before you proceed to call an electrician, here are a few things you could do when your outlets aren’t working properly.

• Safety First: Be sure to turn off all the lights in the area and unplug any appliances there as well. Make sure you check out the state of each of the appliances. The fault may not lie with the outlet if your appliances are also faulty. Plus, you’d need to check to make sure that the outlet hasn’t ruined the appliances in the house.
• Test Other Outlets: Is the fault in just a specific spot or a general area? You’d need to do a thorough check to ensure that it’s just a specific spot. You can test out other appliances on the outlet to pinpoint where the exact fault is from. If the fault is from just one outlet, then it’s most likely an isolated problem. If it’s in a more generalized area, then that’s more complicated. Either way, you need to call a professional to have it properly checked and fixed.
• Check Your Circuit Breaker: One of the most common reasons why your outlet may not be working is a tripped circuit breaker. Your circuit breaker is like the motherboard of all the electricity flowing in your house. When the current becomes too much, the circuit breaker protects the circuits by tripping it or cutting it off to avoid overheating. So check out your circuit breaker and try resetting it.
• Loose or Burned out Outlets: Outlets, like all other things, tend to go bad after a certain period. A loose outlet wouldn’t work as effectively as it should and can also start house fires. A burned-out outlet would seem quite warm or look like it’s burned. Don’t forget to check out your fuse box as well. These can cause serious fire hazards and should be fixed as soon as possible by a professional.
• See a Professional: Electrical problems are dangerous and should not be taken likely. Irrespective of how little or big the problem may seem, you should leave it to experienced hands or experts to avoid further complications. Although some problems can be handled with a quick fix, they may not be as simple as it looks. If you do need a professional and you are in the Los Angeles area, give The Electric Connection a call.

It’s easy to overlook a faulty outlet or a blown fuse or to postpone fixing a loose outlet because it works, in a way. However, those aren’t solutions to the problem and can only make it worse. Make sure you check all your appliances, replace any faulty ones and get a faulty outlet properly checked and fixed.

No matter how it seems, fixing a loose outlet is not a job to be taken likely. It’s more than just screwing a few nuts into the wall and calling it a day. Faulty outlets can result in electrical shocks and can even go on to cause house fires.

It’s also quite easy to overlook the problem initially as it may not seem like such a big deal. We guarantee you, it is. You should call for a repair  when you notice a loose outlet. Sometimes, the signs may not be as clear as day. If your cover plate doesn’t lay flat on the wall, if it shakes or the plugs fall out, that can be a clear indication that you have a loose outlet. If you do want a quick fix before you call a professional then you should follow the next steps with precision and caution.

• Turn Off The Power:

Doing this would go a long way in your ensuring your safety and is a top priority. To be completely safe, turn off the main breaker. It’s far safer to carry this out during the day when it’s a lot brighter to avoid making mistakes due to the lack of a sufficient light source. Be sure to use a tester to be completely sure that there is no power.

• Unscrew The Outlet:

Using a screwdriver, unscrew the screws holding the cover plate in place to expose the outlet. You’d need to see what’s going on behind the cover plate so it’s best to take it off. Gently remove your outlet. Be careful not to cut any wires when pulling it out and if you do, you’d need the services of a professional immediately. Do not continue with the rest of the instructions.

• Add Electrical Spacers:

If your outlet is loose because the electrical box is too far back into the wall, adding outlet shims can bridge the gap between the screws and the electrical box. The number of shims you use depends on how far your electrical box is from the screws. You can also tighten your screws if they seem loose. Use your screwdriver to screw in the nuts tightly. Give it a little shake to be sure it’s nice and firm. Fix your outlet and tighten the screws. You can place more shims if the outlet still seems loose. Otherwise, proceed to fix the cover plate as well, and then turn on your breaker.

If your outlet still seems loose, do not proceed any further. The wisest and safest option would be to call a professional electrician to ensure that your outlet is properly fixed to avoid additional damages that could occur otherwise.

We are always here to help.

GFCIs or Ground-fault circuit interrupters, safety devices installed on electrical outlets, otherwise called electrical receptacles. You can also find them on extension cords, circuit breakers, and other supported electrical appliances.

GFCIs pick up fluctuations in the electrical current of your electrical equipment, then switch off that particular appliance to reduce the electric shock that could be transferred into your body. Most GFCI protective outlets can be found in areas of the home where there’s both electricity and water.

What Parts Of Your Home Should Have GFCI Outlets?

The recommendation of the National Electrical Code (NEC) on GFCI requirements for home units in Article 210.8 is that GFCI outlets be installed for all 125-volt, single-phase, 15- and 20-amp receptacles in the locations below:

• Your bathrooms

  Your bathroom is a high risk-level area as water is usually everywhere. All outlets here must be GFCI proof.

• Your laundry and utility sinks.

  You have your washing units (washing machine and dryer) which are powered by electricity. So, GFCI protection is necessary for your laundry room where the receptacles are within six feet of the exterior edge of your sink.

• Crawl spaces

  Crawl places are uncompleted areas in your building that are below grade level. They also require GFCI protection, especially if the spaces double as storage space.

• Your garages and outdoor buildings

  Your garage is on a floor below grade level, meaning it isn’t a living area. However, it needs GFCI protection, even though it is limited to a storage or temporary work area.

  Other outdoor receptacles/outlets, except for the ones you have limited access to, should also be GFCI-protected. For example, areas powered by a fixed branch circuit for electric snow-melting.

• Pool and spa rooms

  There are pumps, fountains, and other water source in your pool area and spa room. All outlets within 20 feet of your pool, water fountains, and spa should be GFCI-proof.

• Uncompleted basements

  Just like crawl spaces, uncompleted basements are areas of your basement that are unoccupied or lived in. They are used as storage space, or sometimes as working areas.

  But the receptacles in these areas still require GFCI protection to prevent damage to appliances caused by moisture. The only exception to this rule for basement GFCI protection is when the receptacles of the system powering equipment are permanently fixed or not easily accessible. For example, your burglar alarm and fire alarm systems.

• Your kitchen

  All electrical outlets in your kitchen, especially your countertop areas, should have GFCI protection. Receptacles with six feet of your sink or near your dishwasher should also be GFCI-protected.

Although the NEC is the highest authority for creating and implementing electrical rules and regulations, consult with your local building authority on the best GFCI requirements or recommendations.

Why You Need An Electrical Contractor For Your GFCI outlets Installation

There are specific requirements and codes of conduct guiding the installation of electric outlets or anything electric in your home. Trying to fix GFCIs in your receptacles without a professional background in electrical engineering isn’t wise.

You can damage the outlets, or do it wrong and that can affect your electrical connection in the future. You might also end up wasting resources such as materials and your time. Contacting a reliable electrical contractor such as the Electric Connection will ensure you’re following the right GFCI requirements for your home.