What are GFCI outlets?
GFCI Outlets were invented in 1971 and it was becoming common for them to get installed in residential homes around 1971.
GFCI Outlets were created to make a safer electrical receptacle. A GFCI outlet monitors the electricity flowing through it and has sensing equipment that will shut off the power within a few milliseconds of noticing an issue.
This is why GFCI Outlets are required at various locations in your home, especially locations where water is present. Installing a GFCI receptacle that can notice electrical current leaking out will stop the potential of you getting an electric shock.
Best way to determine if an electrical outlet is a GFCI outlet is to look at the face of it. All GFCI outlets will have two buttons on the face of them; one labelled “test” and one labelled “reset”. If you have an electrical outlet in your home near water that doesn’t have these buttons it’s likely that you do not have a GFCI protected outlet.
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Where should I have GFCI outlets?
In general you can install a GFCI outlet wherever you want there are no restrictions on how many you can install in your home. And ultimately if you have a plug-in you want to make more safe installing a GFCI outlet is a great idea.
Now more specifically there are few locations in your home where you need a GFCI outlet installed. Here in BC we work off the Canadian Electrical Code so this guide will refer to installations according to those rules.
Here are the conditions where a GFCI outlet is required:
– Within 1.5 M of a source of water (a sink or tap)
-On any exterior receptacle exposed to weather that is less than 1.5 metres from the ground.
Where are the most common locations for GFCI outlets to be installed?
- Bathrooms
- Kitchens
- Outside outlets
How much does it cost to change my outlet to GFCI?
If you’re comfortable working on things in your home and feel safe working around electrical you can purchase a GFCI outlet from a hardware store for $20- $30.
If you hire an electrician to replace the outlet the cost can be a little more and most electrical companies will inspect the wiring inside the box when for wear or issues and make sure to secure the receptacle properly so it sits level and flush and lasts for many years. Check out our article here on how much it cost to have the devices upgraded in your home.
How do I replace my outlet with a GFCI?
Replacing your electrical outlet is totally at ask a homeowner can do on their own. That being said of course, there are still safety concerns and the potential for injury. if you do this on your own make sure to be safe and take your time. Click here to go to our article on how to replace your own electrical devices for a comprehensive guide.
How long does a GFCI receptacle last for?
As with all mechanical pieces of equipment, mileage will vary. You may be reading this article because the GFCI outlet in your home already doesn’t work. But in most cases homeowners have GFCI Outlets that were installed when the house was built.
Unfortunately electrical parts manufacturers don’t publish a lifespan for electrical equipment. But the recommendation of most electricians is to replace your receptacles every 20 years. If you have electrical devices in your house more than 20 years old it would be worth considering getting a quote on upgrading them to new safer outlets and switches.
Want to get GFCI outlets for your home?
Check out our services and how we can help you on our website here.
