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GFCI Outlet Wiring Safety Tips

By Autumn Lockwood

Republish: EasyPublish™ Published: 27Aug2011 Word count: 2163 Viewed: 130 time(s) Get Free Content For Your Site

Ground fault circuit interrupter outlets, commonly referred to as simply "GFCI outlets," are commonly used in the home in areas where shock hazards are present. They work to protect against electrical shock by breaking the circuit whenever the current becomes unbalanced, indicating that the electrical current is taking an alternate and potentially unsafe route. In order to ensure that these outlets are working as designed, it is important to make sure they are properly installed and wired. By following a few basic safety considerations, you will have the peace of mind of knowing that your GFCI outlets are working hard to protect against electrical accidents in your home. However, it is important to understand that having a GFCI outlet installed in your home does not mean that you do not need to continue to observe standard electrical safety precautions, since nothing is completely fool proof. Here are some tips you can use to make sure your GFCI outlets are installed properly and working effectively.

GFCI Installation Tips

Just as with all electrical wiring and equipment, it is important to make sure your GFCI outlets are installed properly. It is important to make sure that your home is properly wired before installing one of these outlets. For this reason, it is often advisable to consult with a properly licensed electrician when installing GFCI outlets. Installing one of these outlets on your own is never advisable unless you have the proper amount of electrical knowledge and training. An electrician can check your home for any worn out wiring that could cause potential problems for the outlet. He or she can also ensure that they are installed in the proper location. For example, installing one of these outlets on circuits longer than 100 feet can cause it to work incorrectly. Because these outlets are commonly used in high risk areas such as bathrooms and kitchens, it is more important than ever to make sure they are installed correctly. If you have small children or pets in the home, it can be worthwhile to make sure you install only tamper-resistant outlets.

GFCI Safety Considerations

Although these outlets can certainly make your home safer, there are some everyday precautions that you should continue to observe. Once installed, you should test your GFCI outlets on a regular basis, to make sure that they are working correctly. If you do not know how to properly test a GFCI outlet, a licensed electrician can show you how. Never use extension cords that are in poor condition, as these can be detrimental to the safety provided by your GFCI outlet. Using electric appliances that are defective or which have damaged cords is also something to avoid. When purchasing tools and appliances, you should always look to make sure they are properly licensed to ensure safe operation. Even when using a GFCI outlet, you should take care to never overburden any portion of your home's electrical circuitry. If your wiring is outdated or you have too many appliances operating on the same circuit, you should consult with a electrical contractor to get the problem solved.

Make sure that you are safe when you deal with your GFCI outlets, and remember to always call your electrical contractor when you have any questions.

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