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GFCI Outlet Installation in Delray Beach & Boca Raton, FL

Mr. Electric of Delray Beach & Boca Raton, FL electrician installing a power outlet.

GFCI Outlets From Mr. Electric of Delray Beach and Boca Raton

Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) outlets are designed to protect your entire family against the risk of electrical shock from your outlets. Mr. Electric of Delray Beach and Boca Raton specializes in GFCI outlet installation services for households throughout Delray Beach and Boca Raton, FL. Installing a GFCI outlet is an affordable solution to avoid electrical shock and also ensures your home meets modern building code standards in Florida. Our team of expert electricians performs quick GFCI outlet installations to keep your family safe. You can learn more about GFCI outlets and contact us today to schedule service at your home or request an estimate. 

What Are GFCI Outlets? 

Modern building and electrical codes require GFCI outlets in areas with lots of moisture, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and garages. You will recognize a GFCI outlet with its signature “test” and “reset” buttons on the receptacle. These outlet types are designed to safeguard people from unnecessary electrical hazards around their homes or businesses. A GFCI outlet will cut off an outlet’s power as soon as it detects an imbalance in the electricity flow. If you’re not sure if your structure requires GFCIs to keep your home safe and compliant, just reach out to us. Don’t risk it and end up with a family member getting shocked or burned because an outlet develops a short. Mr. Electric of Delray Beach and Boca Raton can install these outlets to provide safe and reliable electricity for your devices.

How to Operate & Test Your GFCI Outlets 

Installing a GFCI outlet won’t be very beneficial in your home if you don’t know how to operate it correctly. When your GFCI outlet stops the flow of power, you must press the “reset” button to restore that power to the outlet. Since GFCIs are more sensitive than an electrical panel’s circuit breakers, they’re a more reliable option. Electric shocks can impact your heartbeat, but a GFCI outlet will prevent this electrical hazard from happening. You should test all your GFCI outlets every month to ensure they continue functioning correctly. Follow these steps to test your GFCI outlet performance: 

  1. Press the “test” button to stop the electrical flow to the outlet. 
  1. Plug in any small device that uses a minimal amount of electricity, such as a night light, to ensure there is no power current flowing to the receptacle. 
  1. Press the “reset” button to allow power to flow to the outlet again. 

Understanding GFCI Outlet Requirements 

GFCI outlets are required in certain areas in or around your home, whether you live in Delray Beach or Boca Raton, FL. These special outlets have been a required electrical feature for homeowners since 1971. Many areas of your residence are required to have GFCI outlets instead of standard outlets, especially if the area is vulnerable to getting wet from water. Read through the following GFCI outlet requirements and the years the requirements were put in place: 

  • Spas & Pool Areas (1971) 
  • Home Exteriors (1973) 
  • Bathrooms (1975) 
  • Garages (1987) 
  • Kitchen Countertops (1987) 
  • Crawlspaces & Unfinished Basements (1990) 
  • Wet Bars (1993) 
  • Laundry & Utility Sinks (2005) 

GFCI Outlet Limitations 

Now that you know what types of appliances and areas you should use with GFCI outlets, you also need to understand their limitations. Do not use GFCI outlets for refrigerators or freezers because these appliances create electromagnetic interference that trips the outlets. You also should not hook up most dryers and stoves to GFCI outlets because they require 240-amp power outlets. Appliances with heating elements can trip GFCI outlets, so don’t plug hair dryers, irons, or toaster ovens into GFCI outlets. Do not plug an extension cord with too many devices plugged into it into a GFCI outlet because it will likely cause the outlet to trip. 

Upgrade to GFCI Outlets Today 

If you live in an older home, you may have a greater risk of electrical shock from your outlets. Mr. Electric of Delray Beach and Boca Raton can upgrade your home’s power receptacles with GFCI outlet with switch installation and other services. These inexpensive devices are potentially lifesaving, so there’s no reason to hesitate to schedule a GFCI outlet installation at your property. Contact us today to protect yourself and your family by installing GFCI outlets.