GFCI Outlet Installation & Replacement in Paulding County, GA

Keep Your Family Safe With GFCI Outlets From Mr. Electric

Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) outlets are designed to protect you and your family from the risk of electrical shock. Mr. Electric of Paulding County specializes in GFCI outlet and installation services for homeowners in Paulding County, GA. Installing a GFCI outlet is an affordable way to prevent electrical shock and will also ensure your home is up to modern building code standards in Georgia. Our team of electricians wants to keep your family safe through GFCI outlet installation. Learn more about GFCI outlets and get in touch with us today to schedule service or request an estimate.

What Are GFCI Outlets?

GFCI outlets are required in areas with lots of moisture, including bathrooms, kitchens, and garages. You will recognize a GFCI outlet because it will have “test” and “reset” buttons on the receptacle. These types of outlets are designed to protect people from electrical hazards. A GFCI outlet will cut off power to the outlet as soon as it detects an imbalance in the flow of electricity. If you aren’t sure whether you require GFCIs for your home, just give us a call. Don’t risk it and end up with a family member who gets shocked or burned when an outlet develops a short.

How to Operate & Test Your GFCI Outlets

Installing a GFCI outlet won’t do you much good if you don’t know how to operate it correctly. When your GFCI outlet cuts off the flow of power, you need to press the “reset” button to restore that power. Since GFCIs are more sensitive than circuit breakers in electrical panels, they’re a more reliable option. Electric shocks can affect your heartbeat, but your GFCI outlet will prevent that from happening. You should test all of your GFCI outlets monthly to ensure they are functioning correctly. Follow these steps to test your GFCI outlet performance:

1. Press the “test” button to stop the electrical flow to the outlet.
2. 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.
3. Press the “reset” button to allow power to flow to the outlet again.

Understanding GFCI Outlet Requirements

GFCI outlets are required in certain parts of your home, whether you live in Paulding County or Newnan, GA. These special outlets have been required for homeowners since 1971. Many areas of your home are required to have GFCI outlets, especially if the area is susceptible to getting wet from water. Check out 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 areas and appliances GFCI outlets must be used with, it’s also important to understand their limitations. Do not use GFCI outlets for refrigerators or freezers. These appliances generate electromagnetic interference that trips the outlets. Most dryers and stoves should also not be hooked up to GFCI outlets because they require 240 amp power outlets. Appliances with heating elements can trip GFCI outlets, so don’t use them with hair dryers, irons, or toaster ovens. 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 be at an increased risk of electrical shock. Mr. Electric of Paulding County offers GFCI outlet with switch installation and other services to upgrade your home’s power receptacles. These inexpensive devices are potentially life-saving, so there’s no reason to delay having us install GFCI outlets. Contact us today to protect yourself and your family with GFCI outlet installations.