Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) are a critical safety component in a wide range of household electrical applications. If you’ve ever seen an outlet that had two small buttons between the two sockets on the panel, then there’s a good chance you’ve seen a GFCI outlet. It’s important to understand what a GFCI does, where such outlets belong in your home, and why. This will help you make better decisions about how GFCI systems fit into your home’s overall electrical system.
What Does a GFCI Do?
A ground fault circuit interrupter measures the electrical current that runs between a hot wire and a neutral one. The current should be balanced between the two wires, and the presence of any noticeable imbalance is a sign that something is wrong. This triggers a fault and causes the GFCI to turn off the circuit.
While this might sound a bit like what the circuit breaker does, there are a few notable differences. A circuit breaker doesn’t detect the ground condition. Instead, it simply measures the load and shuts off the circuit if there is too much load.
A GFCI system detects when the electrical current is out of balance because something is taking the current off its intended path. The classic GFCI use involves protecting outlets in rooms where residents use water a lot. Suppose too much water splashes out of the sink and toward the outlet, creating a potential electrocution risk. The instant that the water creates a path for the electrical current from the outlet, it also creates an imbalance. The GFCI will almost instantly cut off the circuit. Consequently, there is a significantly reduced risk that someone might be shocked by the system. Likewise, there is a lower risk of damage to the outlet, the circuit, and any connected devices.
Requirements for Using a GFCI Setup
A GFCI system works best in conjunction with a ground fault trip breaker. This is a specialized breaker that goes into the electrical panel. It provides the right level of support for the GFCI system’s functional and additional safety measures.
Where to Use GFCI Outlets in Your Home
As the example in the previous section showed, the bathroom is easily the place in a house where you’re most likely to see a GFCI outlet. People have plenty of electrical devices in their bathrooms for convenience and hygiene. From hair dryers and electric toothbrushes to lights and exhaust fans, there are simply too many ways in a bathroom for someone to be hurt by electricity. For that reason, you can assume that a house with GFCI outlets likely has them in the bathroom.
We encourage homeowners to use GFCI outlets within 12 feet of any bathtub, shower, sink, or toilet in a bathroom. It is best to go all-in on GFCI outlets throughout the bathroom. People get out of the bathtub or shower wet, and they can transport water to places it wouldn’t otherwise reach.
In terms of a household’s electrical risk profile, the kitchen is also a concern. Depending on how you use your kitchen and how often it’s used, it may pose even more risks than the bathroom does. Kitchens are home to a wide range of electrical devices, and folks often put wet items directly into those devices. Simply making a smoothie carries with it a small risk of triggering an electrical problem in a kitchen.
We strongly recommend that all homeowners install GFCI outlets throughout their kitchens. Particularly, there must be GFCI systems in any places where food or drink prep occurs. Likewise, you want to have GFCI outlets for any electrical sockets within 8 feet of the sink. The same goes for any other systems that use water, such as a dishwasher and a refrigerator with an ice maker or water dispenser. When in doubt, it’s better to have too many GFCI outlets in a kitchen than too few.
You should also strongly consider hiring a professional electrician to add GFCI outlets to all outdoor power terminals. This is particularly true for outdoor living spaces, especially patios and pools. Try to have GFCI outlets for all locations at least 20 feet from a patio or pool. The same idea applies if you have a hot tub.
If you have a power outlet near a garden hose, then it’s wise to install GFCI systems within 30 feet of the spigot. You may want to go further, especially if you plan to use power tools in the same area.
Plenty of other spaces can benefit from GFCI outlets. They are a must for all laundry rooms. Likewise, you should consider using GFCI outlets in any place where you might store fluids or chemicals, such as a utility closet or a garage. Basements are another good spot for GFCI outlets, especially if the basement floor isn’t even.
Consider setting up a GFCI for any outdoor sockets that might connect to anything exposed to rain. For example, you want to be sure that the outlets that power your holiday lighting displays are protected. Especially in a region like the Pacific Northwest, where precipitation is a constant threat to outdoor electrical items, the best move is to over-engineer your outdoor systems.
Finally, there is an increasing emphasis in the industry on using outlets for all 20- and 30-amp circuits in new houses. Owners of existing homes may want to consider retrofitting their places to this standard, too.
Where Not to Use a GFCI System
Typically, we don’t advise customers to use any HVAC equipment with a GFCI outlet. If you have a wall-mounted or portable air conditioner, for example, the current usually doesn’t operate in a way that’ll trigger a ground fault. Consequently, the presence of a GFCI outlet may present a false sense of security. Also, many HVAC systems include built-in grounding technologies that serve a similar role.
GFCI outlets are also typically more expensive than normal outlets. Consequently, you may wish to avoid them when they might incur additional costs and the risk in a space isn’t sufficient. For example, it’s unlikely that a spill in a bedroom will cause a problem. If you’re worried about a possible spill from something like a drink on a nightstand near an electrical socket, the best solution is to find a better location for the stand.
Local Codes
Be aware that you should always consult with your local electrical code to be sure of where and why to use GFCI outlets in your home. Contact your local code compliance office to request a copy of the code for where you live.
Black Lion Heating & Air Conditioning has served the people of Kirkland, WA, and the surrounding areas for more than two decades. We offer a wide range of electrical services, including help with whole-home generators, RV plugins, and EV charging stations. We also provide heating, cooling, and indoor air quality services.
If you have concerns about the need for GFCI outlets in or around your house, contact Black Lion Heating & Air Conditioning to ask for our professional recommendation.