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GFCI Outlet Installation in Saint Paul, MN

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We Know Where to Install GFCI Outlets

Ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets were invented in 1965 and are responsible for saving countless people from getting electrocuted. You can identify GFCI outlets by their “Test” and “Reset” buttons, and hopefully, these outlets are already in your bathroom, kitchen, and laundry room. In rooms with frequent wetness or moisture, GFCI outlets are essential safety devices. In many instances, the National Electrical Code requires them. If your home isn’t updated with GFCI outlets in the Twin Cities, including South Metro and St. Paul, MN, let the experts at Mr. Electric of St. Paul perform the quick and careful GFCI outlet installation services your domestic spaces need. Our electricians will inspect each of your house’s outlets and provide a detailed recommendation for locations you should place GFCI outlets. You can also learn more about our GFCI outlet installation process and schedule an appointment at your home! 

What Is a GFCI Outlet?

GFCIs may look very similar to a standard home outlet, except for their “Test” and “Reset” buttons. However, these protective outlets offer an advanced safety feature you typically don’t find on traditional electrical outlets. Your GFCI outlet continuously monitors how much electricity flows through it. It then trips and grounds excess electricity if it starts leaking electricity or a device pulls more electricity from it. This feature can potentially save your life in cases where you might drop something like a hairdryer into a bathtub. When a GFCI outlet trips, it cuts off the electricity flow within 1/30th of a second.  

How Do I Test My GFCI Outlets?

Operating your GFCI outlets might seem confusing if you’ve never learned how to use one before. When your outlet trips, and you don’t notice it, you may think your outlet broke if you’re not aware of how to reset it. Additionally, you must learn how to test your GFCI outlets to verify they always provide the proper level of protection in your home. If your GFCI outlet does not provide power to a device, you should start by pressing its reset button. If this step does not restore power to your device, your next step is to try testing your GFCI outlet. Mr. Electric of St. Paul can help you with GFCI outlet installation services if your outlet is broken. Follow the steps below 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, like 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 light up or power on. 

Does the National Electrical Code Require GFCI Outlets?

Since GFCI outlets were first introduced, their safety has been proven so effective that the National Electrical Code has expanded the scope of their use. Initially, the National Electrical Code only required GFCI outlets around spas and swimming pools. Today, the electrical code mandates installing these outlets in nearly every room with regular moisture or wetness. The following list includes all rooms where you should have GFCI outlets as required by the 2020 Electrical Code. If any of these areas in your home lack GFCI outlets, Mr. Electric of St. Paul can get you up to code with quick and careful installations. GFCI outlets are required in the following areas: 

  • 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?

While GFCI outlets can save your or a loved one’s life in various situations, these outlets are not suitable for all areas or appliances. Many electronic devices produce heat or electromagnetic interference and may cause GFCI outlets to trip regularly, so a GFCI outlet will be ineffective. Refrigerators and freezers produce a slight-but-noticeable electromagnetic field and can confuse a GFCI outlet and lead to it tripping. Similarly, space heaters, toaster ovens, irons, and other devices can produce enough heat to cause your GFCI outlets to trip repeatedly. Furthermore, you should not plug power cords or extension cords into GFCI outlets whenever you can avoid it. The electricity multiple devices require to power them can impact your GFCI outlet’s ability to work correctly.  

Schedule a GFCI Outlet Installation Online Today!

If you don’t have GFCI outlets in the right rooms in your home, you could risk electrocution whenever you plug in a device. GFCI installation services are quick and affordable when you consider their immense safety benefits. Mr. Electric of St. Paul will gladly help you figure out which rooms need GFCI outlets, and then we’ll install GFCI outlets for you. Request your GFCI outlet installation appointment online now!