GFCIs in Delaware County

The electrical system in any home can deliver powerful shocks that can cause serious injuries or even fatalities. That’s why it’s important to ensure your electrical system is as safe as possible, and that means having all circuits in areas prone to moisture protected by a GFCI or ground fault circuit interrupter.

Delaware County and the Philadelphia area have many older homes, some dating back to the country’s founding. If your home lacks GFCI outlets or breakers in areas like the kitchen or bathroom, call our team at JDV Electric. We offer complete electrical services in Philadelphia, Lansdowne, Havertown, and Delaware County, including GFCI and AFCI outlet installations. Our company is A+ rated by the Better Business Bureau and features excellent service with an average five-star rating from our customers.

What Is a GFCI?

A ground fault circuit interrupter is primarily designed to protect people against shocks and electrocution. It senses the amount of current supplied to the outlet and returns to the electrical panel; if there is a significant imbalance, it shuts the circuit off. This imbalance can occur if current finds an alternate path to ground, such as through a person’s body due to a wiring fault. GFCI devices can trip very quickly, in as little as one-thirtieth of a second, shutting off the circuit before the current can affect your heart. GFCIs can also protect against fires by preventing currents from traveling over inappropriate conductors, leading to overheating and insulation failures.

Why GFCIs Are Important

GFCIs are an essential part of a safe electrical system. They help to:

• Prevent shocks and electrocution
• Reduce the risk of electrical fires
• Ensure your electrical system complies with all electrical codes and regulations

For more reasons to consider adding GFCIs to your home, call our experts at 610-364-5099 today.

What Is a Ground Fault?

Normally, electricity travels from the live wire to the electrical device and back to the electrical panel over the neutral, creating a loop. But if a wiring fault occurs, such as a live wire that has its insulation rubbed through on the metal casing of an appliance, that casing will become live. Should a person touch that case and a grounded object like a stainless steel sink, the person would complete the path to the ground, resulting in a massive shock or electrocution.

The Difference Between GFCIs & AFCIs

GFCIs protect people against shocks and electrocutions. AFCIs, or arc fault circuit interrupters, are primarily designed to prevent fires. They detect the current in a circuit, and if unusual spikes that indicate arcing are detected, they will shut the circuit off. This prevents overheating, melted terminals, and insulation failures that can cause fires. GFCIs are usually found in wet areas, like kitchens, while AFCIs are usually found where fires are common or people congregate, such as bedrooms and family rooms.

How GFCIs Work

GFCIs monitor the live and neutral wires to detect any imbalance in the current between them. If a difference of 5 milliamps or more is detected, an automatic shut-off mechanism will open a set of contacts inside the outlet, disconnecting the circuit. A reset button can turn the circuit back on if the imbalance has been corrected.

Types of GFCIs

There are three basic types of GFCIs:

• GFCI outlets: GFCI outlets replace standard outlets and protect all outlets downstream of them.
• GFCI circuit breakers: GFCI breakers replace a standard breaker and protect the entire circuit.
• Temporary/portable GFCIs: Portable GFCIs plug into a standard outlet and provide a receptacle that offers temporary GFCI protection where devices are plugged into it.

To learn more about GFCIs and their importance in your Delco home, call 610-364-5099 today.

Where GFCIs Are Used/Required in Your Home

GFCIs should be installed in any areas exposed to moisture or the elements, such as:

• Exterior/outdoor outlets
• Bathrooms
• Kitchen counters/islands
• Laundry/utility rooms
• Garages
• Basements
• Crawl spaces
• Within 6 feet of water heaters
• Wet bars
• Dishwasher outlets

Federal Codes for Dwellings

According to the National Electrical Code, GFCI protection is required for any 15- or 20-amp, 125-volt outlets within 6 feet of a potential water source. For residential dwellings, this includes:

• All areas with sinks
• Kitchen countertops
• Dishwasher outlets
• Bathrooms
• Laundry rooms
• Basements
• Crawl spaces

How To Test a GFCI Outlet

As a mechanical device, GFCIs can occasionally fail. To ensure that your GFCI outlets and breakers provide the proper protection, you should test them about once a month. Here is how to do it correctly:

• Plug a device like a lamp into a GFCI-protected outlet and turn it on.
• Press the “Test” button on the GFCI device. The lamp should shut off.
• Press the “Reset” button to restore power to the circuit. The lamp should turn back on.

If the outlet does not turn off or back on correctly, the GFCI device should be replaced. Proper testing and maintenance are essential to ensure your GFCIs work and keep your family safe from shocks.

Professional GFCI Installation & Repair

Only a licensed, professional electrician should work on your home’s electrical system to ensure it is safe, reliable, and up-to-code. When you need an experienced electrician you can trust in Philadelphia, Lansdowne, Havertown, or the surrounding areas, count on our team at JDV Electrical. We offer GFCI installation, replacement, repairs, and inspections throughout Delaware County, PA, and we provide excellent service with upfront pricing, convenient financing options, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

Call us at 610-364-5099 to schedule GFCI services anywhere in Delco.