GFCI Outlet Installation in Baton Rouge, LA
When and Where to Install GFCI Outlets
Invented in 1965, ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets have prevented countless people from getting electrocuted. You can easily recognize GFCI outlets by their “Test” and “Reset” buttons. Hopefully, you have seen GFCI outlets in your bathroom, kitchen, and laundry room. GFCI outlets are essential safety devices in rooms that are frequently wet. In fact, in most cases, having these outlets in these applicable spaces is even required by the National Electrical Code. If your home doesn’t have GFCI outlets in Baton Rouge or Prairieville, LA, let the team of experienced electricians at Mr. Electric of Baton Rouge. provide you with the GFCI outlet installation services you need. We’ll inspect all your home’s outlets and give you a detailed recommendation for which spaces need GFCI outlet installations. You can learn more about how to install GFCI outlets in your home and reach out to us to schedule professional service!
What Is a GFCI Outlet?
GFCI outlets might not look very different from standard outlets except for their notable “Test” and “Reset” buttons. However, these outlets offer an advanced safety feature you don’t get with traditional electrical outlets. Your GFCI outlet continuously monitors how much electricity is flowing through the outlet. If a device suddenly pulls more electricity from the outlet or starts to leak electricity, the outlet trips and immediately grounds the excess electricity. This feature can potentially save your life in cases like when you drop a device like a hairdryer into a bathtub. When a GFCI outlet trips, it cuts off the electricity within 1/30th of a second.
Put Your GFCI Outlets to the Test
If you don’t know how to operate your GFCI outlets, your lack of knowledge can cause a lot of confusion. When your outlet trips and you don’t notice it, you might assume it’s broken if you don’t know how to reset it. You also need to understand how to test your GFCI outlets to verify they always provide the proper level of protection. If your GFCI outlet does not provide power to a device, you should start by pressing the reset button. If that does not restore your device’s power, your next step is to try testing your GFCI outlet. Mr. Electric of Birmingham can help you with GFCI outlet installation services if it is broken. To test your GFCI outlet, follow these steps:
- Push the “Test” button to trip the breaker, cutting off the flow of electricity.
- Plug in a small electronic device, like a nightlight. The device should not light up or receive power at this point.
- Press the “Reset” button. Power should return to the outlet, allowing the electronic device to light up or power on.
Does the National Electrical Code require GFCI Outlets?
Since their introduction, GFCI outlets have shown themselves to be so safe that the National Electrical Code has increased the scope of their use. Initially, requirements only stipulated using GFCI outlets around spas and swimming pools. Now, the electrical code requires these outlets in almost any room that is regularly wet or moist. The following list includes every room the National Electrical Code requires having GFCI outlets according to the 2020 Electrical Code. If you have any of these areas in or around your home lacking GFCI outlets, let Mr. Electric of Baton Rouge help you get up to code. GFCI outlets have been required in the following areas:
- Around pools and spas since 1971
- On exterior outlets since 1973
- In bathrooms since 1975
- In garages since 1987
- On kitchen countertops since 1987
- In crawlspaces and unfinished basements since 1990
- In wet bars since 1993
- In Laundry and utility rooms since 2005
Where Should I Not Install a GFCI Outlet?
While GFCI outlets can save people’s lives in the right situations, these outlets are not suited for every appliance or area around a person’s home. Many devices produce electromagnetic interference or heat that can cause GFCI outlets to trip regularly, rendering them ineffective. Refrigerators and freezers produce a slight yet noticeable electromagnetic field. This field may confuse a GFCI outlet and cause it to trip. Similarly, devices like toaster ovens, irons, and space heaters can produce enough heat to cause a GFCI outlet to trip repeatedly. Additionally, you should never plug power strips or extension cords into GFCI outlets if you can avoid doing it. The electricity multiple devices require to power them can prevent your GFCI outlet from working correctly.
Request your GFCI Outlet Installation Appointment
If your home is missing GFCI outlets in the rooms and areas we’ve mentioned, you or a family member could risk electrocution. GFCI installation services are relatively quick and affordable, especially considering their immense safety benefits. Let Mr. Electric of Baton Rouge. help you decide which rooms in your Baton Rouge or Prairieville, LA home need GFCI outlets, and we’ll install GFCI outlets for you. Contact us today to request your GFCI outlet installation appointment online.