Everything You Need to Know About GFCI Outlets

What exactly is a GFCI outlet? GFCI stands for ground fault circuit interrupter. These outlets are designed to maximize safety in your home and are now required in today's homes for your home to be up to code by National Electrical Code. These outlets are essential for your home and your expert electricians at the Lake of the Ozarks are here to tell you why these outlets are so important.


GFCI Outlets Explained 

GFCI outlets are designed to protect your homes electrical system, specifically in high moisture areas. GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupters) protect you and your family from electrical shock. If you are wondering if you have GFCI outlets in your home, they are easy to identify. GFCI outlets can be identified by the "test" and "reset buttons on the face of the outlets. 

How Do GFCI Outlets Work?

The purpose of these outlets is to prevent serious electrical shock and also reduce the risk of a house fire. They do this by monitoring the electrical current at all times. When a GFCI outlet detects an imbalance or impulse of current, the outlets will cut off power to the outlet. These outlets are an extra layer of protection to your circuit breakers or fuses because they have a faster response time. 

Where Should GFCI Outlets Be Installed?

GFCI Outlets are a safety feature for areas in your home with high moisture. These outlets are not necessary throughout your entire home but should be installed anywhere that water could come into contact with your electrical outlet. To help prevent electric shock, install GFCI outlets in these areas:
  • Outdoors 
  • Bathrooms 
  • Pool Areas 
  • Kitchens 
  • Wet Bar 
  • Coffee Bar 
  • Unfinished basements 
  • Laundry room 
  • Garages 
  • Outbuildings 

Test Your GFCI Outlets 

If you already have GFCI Outlets installed in your home, don't forget to test them regularly. You should test your GFCI outlets every couple of months and after a big storm. Testing your outlets is easy. All you need to do is press the "test" button and make sure that power has been cut off. To reactivate your outlet, simply press the "reset" button. 

Keeping you and your family safe is import to our team here at Catalyst Electric. That's why we want to express the importance of keeping your homes electrical system up to code. If your home does not have GFCI outlets installed, give the best electricians at the Lake of the Ozarks a call! Don't become a victim of serious electrical shock or worse, a house fire. Call Catalyst Electric and we will install your GFCI outlets and ensure your homes electrical system is up to code. 

Quality Work With Integrity

 Catalyst Electric: Best electrician service at the Lake of the Ozarks  


1106 Runabout Drive
Osage Beach, Mo 65065
(573) 552-8488 -Phone
(573) 552-8248 -Fax



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