Recently I posted a video on my YouTube channel about GFCI’s, so I thought I would revisit the topic here. As a home inspector in Virginia Beach I always recommend GFCI protection for a home regardless of whether it was required when the home was built or not. There is no such thing as grandfathering out safety in my opinion. My job is to present the information to the homebuyer for them to do with as they see fit.
Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) can help prevent electrocution inside and outside the home. GFCIs are an effective means of protecting against electrical shock; however, they must be tested regularly, once a month is ensure they are working properly.
"Ground faults" are usually the result of damaged appliance cords or consumers who use electrical equipment in wet environments, such as bathrooms or areas close by a pool. Basically the amount of current that goes on a circuit should be the same amount that returns.
Because GFCIs can be damaged by lightning or electrical surges they need to be tested to make sure they are providing protection. A simple test should be conducted once a month, and after any severe thunderstorms.
To test GFCI receptacles in your home:
- Push the "Reset" button located on the GFCI receptacle, first to assure normal GFCI operation.
- Plug a night light or small digital clock (with an "ON/OFF" switch) into the GFCI receptacle and turn the product "ON."
- Push the "Test" button located on the GFCI receptacle. The night light or other product should go "OFF."
- Push the "Reset" button, again. The light or other product should go "ON" again.
If the light or other product remains "ON" when the "Test" button is pushed, the GFCI is not operating as it is intended or has been incorrectly installed. If the GFCI is not working properly a qualified electrical contractor can determine if you have a faulty device or if it is wired improperly. That’s all that is necessary to make sure you and your family are protected.
The new Smart Lock GFCI's are equipped with technology to make it even easier to determine if the device is operating correctly.
- automatically test the GFCI every time the RESET button is pushed in. The GFCI will not reset if the GFCI circuit is not functioning properly.
- by blocking reset of the GFCI if protection has been compromised, SmartLockPRO reduces the possibility of end-users incorrectly assuming that a reset GFCI outlet is providing ground fault protection when it actually is not.
- a line-load reversal diagnostic feature is provided which prevents the GFCI from being reset and stops power from being fed to the GFCI receptacle face or through to downstream devices.
- a green LED indicator on the GFCI's face also illuminate’s to alert the installer to the line-load wiring reversal.
There are different types of GFCIs that can be installed in or around a home.
Wall Receptacle GFCI – The most widely used GFCI is the wall receptacle because it fits into a standard outlet and protects against ground faults whenever an electrical product is plugged into the outlet. Wall receptacle GFCIs are most often installed in kitchens, bath and laundry rooms, and outdoors where water and electricity are most likely to be in close proximity.
Circuit Breaker GFCI – Homes that have breakers in their panel can use GFCI breakers to give protection to selected circuits. These circuit breaker GFCIs should also be checked monthly. Test these breakers will disconnect power to all lights and appliances on the circuit.
Portable GFCI -- A portable GFCI requires no special knowledge or equipment to install. One type contains the GFCI circuitry in a self-contained enclosure with plug blades in the back and receptacle slots in the front. It can then be inserted into a receptacle, and the electrical products are plugged into the GFCI. Another type of portable GFCI is an extension cord combined with a GFCI. It adds flexibility in using receptacles that are not protected by GFCIs. Portable GFCIs are not to be used as a permanent device, and should be tested before using.
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