GFCI Outlet Installation in Inglewood, CA
We Install GFCI Outlets in Lennox, CA
Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) outlets help protect your home and the people in it from electrical shock. Mr. Electric of Inglewood offers GFCI outlet installation services in Inglewood, CA, and the surrounding areas. Installing GFCI outlets in the areas of your home with moisture is the best way to help prevent electric shock. GFCI outlets are now required in any area of your home that is subject to moisture. Our service professionals can quickly and efficiently replace outlets in your home with GFCI outlets. Contact us for an estimate today.
What Is a GFCI Outlet?
Ground fault circuit interrupter outlets are the outlets in your home with a “test” and “reset” button on their receptacles. They are required in areas like your garage, kitchen, and bathrooms. Some older homes may have standard outlets in these locations, so upgrading to GFCI outlets is critical. GFCI outlets help protect you from electrical shock and help prevent fires in high-voltage areas. They work by monitoring the amount of electricity that flows through the circuits in your home. When a GFCI outlet detects an imbalance in the flow of electricity, it will shut off power to that outlet.
How Do I Test My GFCI Outlets?
If your GFCI outlet is not working or you need to test its operation, we’ll help you through the process. When your GFCI outlet stops power to the outlet, all you need to do is press “reset” on the receptacle. It is essential to test your GFCI outlets monthly. If the GFCI outlet fails any part of this test, it’s important to contact our service professionals for a potential GFCI outlet replacement. The best way to test your GFCI outlets monthly includes the following steps:
- Press the “test” button to switch off the electrical flow.
- Plug in a low-powered device like a night light to ensure the power is off.
- Press the “reset” button to switch the outlet on again.
Home GFCI Outlets Requirements
GFCI outlets have been required in residential spaces since 1971. They were first mandated for use around swimming pool equipment. GFCI outlets are now required in every area of your home with moisture to lower the risk of electric shock. The current areas in your home that require GFCI outlets include the following:
- Swimming Pool & Spa Areas since 1971
- Exterior of Your Home since 1973
- Bathrooms since 1975
- Garage Spaces since 1978
- Kitchen Countertops since 1987
- Unfinished Basements & Crawlspaces since 1990
- Wet Bars since 1993
- Utility Sinks and Laundry Rooms since 2005
Do I Need a GFCI Outlet Replacement or Repair?
Our Mr. Electric of Inglewood team typically recommends replacing older outlets with a GFCI outlet when they need repairs. We can inspect your current outlets and their wires. Newer grounded outlets have three prongs, so replacing any older two-pronged outlets with upgraded versions is best. Older outlets may have worn contacts and wires. Some of the most common signs you need GFCI repairs or replacement services include the following:
- GFCI outlet keeps tripping
- Outlets are hot to the touch
- Any outlet is sparking
- Cracked or damaged faceplates
- Buzzing sound in outlets
- Flickering lights
GFCI Outlets Limitations
GFCI outlets have some limitations in your home. They should not be installed as receptacles for high-powered devices like freezers or refrigerators. These types of appliances often generate electromagnetic interference that will often trip your GFCI outlet. Dryers and stoves typically need a 240-amp power outlet that is incompatible with a GFCI outlet. If your appliances have a heating element, they may trip the GFCI outlet. Avoid plugging extension cords with multiple devices into a GFCI outlet.
Contact Mr. Electric of Inglewood Today
Mr. Electric of Inglewood offers comprehensive electric services to Inglewood and Lennox, CA. We will upgrade your existing outlets quickly to GFCI outlets for safety and to bring them up to code. Outdated outlets must be upgraded to GFCI outlets in your home. Life-saving GFCI outlets are easy to install, and we will help you understand our process. We guarantee our work and always offer honest pricing on our services. Our team offers flexible scheduling and is always here to answer your questions. Contact us today to get an estimate on our GFCI outlet installation services.