GFCI Outlet Installation in Chattanooga, TN
Get Help Installing New GFCI Outlets in Your Home
Have you ever noticed that some outlets in your home have “Test” and “Reset” buttons? They are called ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets, and the National Electrical Code requires them in many locations, like kitchens, bathrooms, and pool/spa areas. These life-saving devices were invented in 1965 and have saved thousands of lives each year since. Mr. Electric of Chattanooga offers professional GFCI outlet installation services in the Chattanooga, Tennessee area. If you need help installing a GFCI outlet, there’s no one better to turn to. Our team will inspect your entire home, give you a list of rooms that need GFCI outlets, and install them for you. Learn more about installing new GFCI outlets.
What Does Installing a GFCI Outlet Do?
A ground fault circuit interrupter outlet is constantly monitored for ground faults in appliances plugged into it. A ground fault is the term for anytime electricity is grounded through an unplanned path. The most common example is when a hairdryer is dropped into a sink full of water. The electricity suddenly changes its planned path (back into your electrical outlet) and travels into the water. A GFCI outlet will detect the ground fault the moment it happens and cut power to that outlet within 1/30th of a second. When you have fully-functioning GFCI outlets installed, you don’t need to worry about water-related electrocution from devices plugged into that outlet.
How to Test Your GFCI Outlets
If you notice that your GFCI outlet isn’t providing power to your devices or appliances, you may just need to reset it. If your interrupter was tripped without your knowing, pressing the “Reset” button may restore power to your device. However, hitting the “Test” button on your GFCI outlet should be more than just an accident. Most experts recommend testing your GFCI outlets once a month. If your GFCI outlet does not work when you test it, then it is not protecting you from ground fault electrocutions. In order to reset your GFCI outlet:
- Hit the “Test” button, interrupting the flow of electricity to the outlet.
- Put a nightlight, or a similar electronic device, into the outlet. It should not receive any power at this point.
- Push the “Reset” button, restoring power to the outlet.
- If the nightlight does not light up when you press the “Reset” button, you need to replace that GFCI outlet before any further use.
Where Do GFCI Outlets Need to Be Installed?
While any area that is frequently wet would be safer with GFCI outlets, certain spaces must have them according to the National Electrical Code. The latest version of the electrical code suggests homeowners install GFCI outlets in nearly a dozen different areas. Don’t worry about reading the 1,000+ page code yourself. We’ve done it for you. Our team will inspect your home and help you understand where you need GFCI outlet installation to get up to code. We may also recommend GFCI outlets in other areas for added safety. The electrical code requires GFCI outlets:
- Near pools and spas since 1971
- For exterior outlets since 1973
- In bathrooms since 1975
- In garages since 1987
- On kitchen countertops since 1987
- Inside unfinished basements and crawlspaces since 1990
- Around wet bars since 1993
- In laundry and utility rooms since 2005
Meet Your Local Electricians at Mr. Electric of Chattanooga
At Mr. Electric of Chattanooga, we have earned a reputation for friendly and reliable service. Members of the community have come to trust us for all their electrical needs, from GFCI outlet installation to installing a new EV charging station. Over the years, we may have grown a lot, but our dedication to serving homeowners in the Southern Tennessee area has never wavered. If you are unsure whether we serve your area, just reach out to us. We always strive to help every homeowner we possibly can. The areas we regularly serve include:
- Chattanooga, TN
- Hixon, TN
- Ringgold, GA
GFCI Outlet Installation Made Easy!
Upgrading your home’s electrical safety should never be a burden or a hassle. Mr. Electric of Chattanooga makes every step of the GFCI outlet installation process easier than you could ever imagine. From our first consultation to the moment we leave your home, you’ll find yourself wondering how we make it all so straightforward. We even put the power to schedule an appointment at your fingertips with our online scheduling tool. We offer many convenient appointment times so that we are always available when it works best for you. Request your GFCI outlet installation appointment online now.