GFCIs and AFCIs electrical outlets can save your life!
GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) and AFCI (Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets are types of electrical safety devices designed to protect against specific electrical hazards in residential and commercial buildings.
If you have an older building or home with older electrical wiring and outlets you should seriously consider upgrading your outlets to GFCI. These type of electrical outlets help protect yourself and your family from the danger of electrical shocks – especially in kitchens and bathrooms!
Affinity Electric can help upgrade your electrical outlets – safely and affordably!
Quick Facts:
- GFCI – stands for Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter
- AFCI- stands for Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter
- GFCI and AFCI outlets and breakers are designed for one purpose: protection from electrical shock.
- GFCI outlets and breakers are designed to protect grounding of current through unwanted pathways, namely YOU and YOUR LOVED ONES! GFCIs monitor current, and trip when a different amount of current (than what was put out) returns from your plugged device through the outlet to your panel.
- AFCIs are designed to protect against arcing caused by plugging in and using appliances, such as irons. Arcing is when electricity travels through the air, making heat.
- When a GFCI/AFCI trips, it is doing its job, protecting you.
- You might know that your GFCI has tripped because of two reasons:
1: Several outlets in the house don’t work
2: You noticed a button or light on your outlet is different than normal.
What do I do if my GFCI/AFCI is tripped?
Just push the reset button. That’s it!! If this does not solve your problem, Contact Us!
GFCI protection is often required in new or renovated buildings.
Common areas where GFCI outlets are required include:
- Bathrooms: All 125-volt, single-phase, 15- and 20-ampere receptacles installed in bathrooms must have GFCI protection.
- Kitchens: GFCI protection is required for receptacles serving countertops in kitchens.
- Outdoors: Receptacles located outdoors, including those in garages and unfinished basements, are usually required to have GFCI protection.
- Crawl Spaces and Unfinished Basements: GFCI protection may be required in receptacles installed in these areas.
- Wet Bar Sinks: If a wet bar sink is installed in certain locations, GFCI protection may be required.
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We also offer FREE ESTIMATES prior to service.
