When a licensed electrician works on your home’s wiring, you might hear them mention “GFCIs.” But what exactly are they, and why are they so crucial for your safety?
A Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) is a fast-acting safety device designed to protect you from electrical shocks. It constantly monitors the flow of electricity in a circuit. If it detects a difference in the current—even a tiny one that could be caused by electricity “leaking” out of a wire and into something it shouldn’t, like a wet surface or even a person—it instantly shuts off the power. This happens in a fraction of a second, preventing a potentially fatal electrical shock.
GFCIs are required by the National Electrical Code in areas where water is present, such as:
- Bathrooms
- Kitchens
- Garages
- Pool areas and outdoor outlets
- Basements
If your home was built before the 1970s, you likely don’t have GFCI protection. If you’re a homeowner with older wiring, it’s a critical safety upgrade to have a professional electrician install them, especially in wet areas. It’s a small investment that can save a life.
