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Professional GFCI Outlet Installation in Oklahoma City, OK

Mr. Electric electrician inspecting outlet

Mr. Electric Makes Installing GFCI Outlets Easy

GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) outlets were invented in 1965 to protect people against the risk of electrical shock in their homes. These outlets can be recognized by their “Test” and “Reset” buttons and should be in the rooms in your home where the risk of electrical shock is the greatest, including the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room. Professional GFCI outlet installation is an inexpensive solution to prevent electrical shock and bring your home up to modern building code standards. 

If your home in Oklahoma City, OK doesn’t have GFCI outlets, the licensed electricians at Mr. Electric of Oklahoma City can help keep your family safe by providing GFCI outlet installation. If your current GFCI outlets aren’t working properly, we can inspect them for replacement if necessary. Our experts have years of experience installing GFCI outlets for homeowners throughout Oklahoma City, Edmond, Or Yukon, OK. Reach out to our friendly team today to learn more about our GFCI outlet installation services!

What Is a GFCI Outlet?

GFCI outlets offer advanced safety features that traditional outlets don't. They might not look different at first glance, but these outlets constantly monitor the amount of electricity transferred through them. If the device you have plugged in suddenly pulls more electricity from the outlet or begins to leak electricity, the GFCI outlet will trip, grounding the excess electricity within 1/30th of a second.

Testing Your GFCI Outlets

It’s important for homeowners to understand how their GFCI outlets work and test them regularly for reliability and protection. If you don’t know how to operate them, you might get confused when it needs to be reset. If your GFCI outlet isn’t powering a device that’s plugged in, you should press the reset button. If that doesn’t restore power to the device, you should try testing your GFCI outlet. Follow these steps to test your GFCI outlet:

  1. Push the “Test” button to trip the breaker, cutting off the flow of electricity.
  2. Plug in a small electronic device, such as a nightlight. The device should not light up or receive power at this point.
  3. Press the “Reset” button. Power should return to the outlet, allowing the electronic device to power on.

If the power doesn't return to the outlet and turn on the device, the electricians at Mr. Electric of Oklahoma City can help you with GFCI outlet repair or replacement services. 

Does the National Electrical Code require GFCI Outlets?

Since their introduction several decades ago, the National Electric Code has increased the use of GFCI outlets in homes and commercial buildings. Initially, GFCI outlets were only required around spas and swimming pools. Today, the most updated electrical code requires them in nearly any room that's prone to be exposed to moisture. The following list includes every room that should have GFCI outlets according to the 2020 Electrical Code. If you have any parts of your home that need GFCI outlet installation, the Mr. Electric of Oklahoma City team can help get you up to code. GFCI outlets have been required:

  • 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

Is There Anywhere I Shouldn’t Install a GFCI Outlet?

GFCI outlets are a great measure of protection for your home, but they’re not suitable for every room or appliance. Most heavy-duty appliances, such as washers and dryers, require outlets that can draw higher amounts of electricity. Some devices can produce heat or electromagnetic interference that can cause GFCI outlets to trip regularly. Devices like space heaters, irons, and toaster ovens can cause some GFCI outlets to trip frequently due to the excess heat they give off. It’s also important to avoid plugging extension cords or power strips into GFCI outlets whenever possible. The amount of electricity required to power multiple devices can prevent GFCI outlets from working properly. 

Schedule Your GFCI Outlet Installation Today

If your home doesn’t have GFCI outlets in the right rooms, you and your family could be at risk of electrocution. The GFCI installation services provided by the licensed electricians at Mr. Electric of Oklahoma City are quick, affordable, and offer priceless benefits in terms of safety and protection. Let our experts decide which rooms need GFCI outlets installed at your property in Oklahoma City, Edmond, or Yukon, OK. With years of experience, our team offers a wide range of commercial and residential services for all your electrical needs. Contact us today to learn more about GFCI outlets or request an estimate for service!