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AFCI and GFCI Outlets: What You Need to Know

AFCI and GFCI Outlets.

Across the U.S. approximately 4,400 people are injured and an additional 400 die each year resulting from electrical hazards annually. Add in electrical fire, and you have what results in an estimated $1.6 billion in property damage each year. Could these accidents have been prevented? When it comes to electrical safety, what you don’t know can hurt you.

Is your home or business missing these crucial electrical safety devices?

GFCI Outlets

GFCI stands for ground fault circuit interrupter. A GFCI is required in any areas with an increased risk of shock due to electrical hazards, such as water. In order to protect you from electrical hazards, a GFCI monitors electrical current, turning off an electrical circuit when it detects an imbalance - current flowing along an unintended path. Think of a GFCI as a small, extra-sensitive circuit breaker built right into an outlet to protect you against electrocution – even in outlets that are not grounded. GFCIs are currently required for use in:

  • Bathrooms
  • Kitchens
  • Laundry and utility rooms
  • Garages
  • Crawlspaces and unfinished basements
  • Wet bars
  • The exterior of your home/business
  • Spa and pool areas

Note: Never use GFCI outlets with refrigerators, freezers, or other appliances, as they could trip without your knowledge.

AFCI Outlets

AFCIs stand for arc-fault circuit interrupters, and they protect you from electrical dangers, but of a different variety – those that create heat via arcing. Examples include a rodent chewing on a wire, driving a nail through a wire, or a device overheating where it is plugged into the wall. AFCIs detect this arcing, shutting down outlets before damage can occur. They are not found in wall receptacles like GFCIs, but instead are easily incorporated into your home or business’ main service panel in the form of specialized circuit breakers. AFCIs are required in:

  • Bedrooms
  • Any sleeping area: dens, foldout couches, etc.
  • Kitchens
  • Laundry areas

Do I really need to upgrade my outlets and breakers?

Though you may have an older home or business where building codes do not require these outlets, proper home safety does. Regular outlets and circuit breakers are designed to protect the house's electrical system, not people. With these devices being so easy and inexpensive to install, why wouldn’t you want to protect yourself and others from the unnecessary electrical hazards overlooking them presents?

Recent electrical code updates regarding these devices you may not be aware of:

As of 2014, the National Electric Code (NEC), the nation’s singular code for safe electrical installation, has added the following standards for the safety of your home or business:

  • GFCI protection for laundry areas

    All 125-volt, single-phase, 15- and 20-ampere receptacles installed in a laundry room now require GFCI protection, whether or not a sink is present.

  • GFCI protection for kitchen dishwashers

    As dishwashers age, the risk of electrical shock increases, thus the latest requirement for GFCI protection on all dishwashers, whether they use a receptacle outlet or are hardwired in.

  • AFCI protection for kitchen and laundry areas

    As of 2014, the NEC has recently added kitchen and laundry areas to the list of areas requiring AFCI protection. This includes all 120-volt, single-phase, 15- and 20-ampere branch circuits supplying not just outlets but also devices found in these rooms.

Shocked by how inadequately prepared for electrical hazards your home or business is? Don’t get burned by ignoring the need for these inexpensive, potentially life-saving devices. Contact Mr. Electric® today.

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About Mr. Electric

Established in 1994, Mr. Electric® is a global franchise organization providing electrical installation and repair services. Recognized by Entrepreneur magazine among its “Franchise 500,” Mr. Electric franchisees provide these services to both residential and commercial customers at almost 200 locations worldwide. Mr. Electric is a subsidiary of the Neighborly® family of service franchises.
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  • Complimentary Home Electrical Safety Check

    Services vary by location. Services performed by independently owned and operated franchises. New Customers only. Limited time offer. Valid for new and existing tenants and homeowners. No cash value. Not valid for diagnostic fees. Coupon expires 12/31/2024. Coupon must be presented at time of estimate. Not valid with any other offer and/or discounts. Valid only at participating locations. Locally owned and independently operated franchise companies. Other restrictions may apply. ©2023 Dwyer Franchising LLC. 1010 N. University Parks Dr., Waco, TX 76707.

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