Are you one of those people who spend countless hours thinking about your home’s electrical system? For most, the answer to this question is “no,” and this is completely normal. However, with more and more being demanded of a home electrical system, it is important to consider whether or not it is safe.
One way to ensure your home electrical system is operating properly and that there are no issues present is by calling an electrician for an inspection. You can also install GFI outlets. These can help protect your home, minimize electrical system hazards and more.
Why Install GFCI Outlets?
One of the best ways for you to make sure that the electrical outlets in your home are working safely is by installing Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters, or GFCI outlets, in the areas where they are needed. Generally, this means you will install them anywhere there is plumbing nearby. This is because the main purpose of the GFCI outlets is to turn off the power if there is any risk of an electrical shock close to a water source.
There is a very good chance that there are already a few GFCI outlets installed in your home. This is especially true if it was constructed in the past few decades. You can easily recognize these outlets because they are the ones that feature the “test” and “reset” buttons.
As mentioned earlier, they are most likely going to be located near water sources, such as your kitchen and bathroom. However, if you have a home that is older and that has outdated wiring, then you may not be using these types of outlets, which could put your home and family at risk of damage and injuries. While electricians can install these outlets in older homes, there are some cases where the home will need new wiring, as well. It is best to consult with the professionals to find out what the best option is.
Where Should You Have GFCI Outlets Installed?
While bathrooms and kitchens were mentioned above, there are other areas these outlets may be needed as well. It may be wise to install this type of outlet in your laundry or utility room, the garage, basement and even the crawlspace.
There are some homeowners – especially the ones that have pets and small children – who opt to utilize GFCI outlets throughout the home for safety reasons. It may also be a good idea to install Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter outlets, or AFCI outlets too, because unlike a ground fault that can cause a shock, an arc fault results form damaged wiring, which could cause a fire.
If you are interested in having new outlets installed, it is best to call the professionals. They can evaluate your home and determine the best course of action.
