gfci: Are you trippin? Test my GFCI breakers?
- 02/12/14 10:37 PM
GFCI breakers and devices have been around for quite awhile--since the early 1970’s. This one you see pictured here was installed in 1979 and provided GFCI protection to all of the bathroom receptacles and the receptacles at the exterior of the home. It still tripped with the test button and shut off the power to all of the protected locations—just like it should. If you have ever looked at the installation instructions that come with just about any GFCI device it recommends hitting that test button once a month. Now I want a show of hands as to how many of … (85 comments)
gfci: Really---how could anyone do this with a straight face?
- 06/07/13 11:22 PM
To state that the kitchen had some electrical issues would be accurate. That there was only one circuit for all the receptacles in the kitchen is not that unusual---if the house was from 1900---but this was basically “new” work, done less than 7 years ago. We are now forced to conclude that the work was “less than professional” and that the work had no chance of being done under permit. If this was the end of the story you would be perfectly justified in just clicking away---but you just know it has to get better. So this one circuit begins on … (19 comments)
gfci: How to heat water with a hair dryer.
- 06/01/13 11:34 PM
While this post may very well fall in the category of: “don’t try this at home,” it is meant to help inform the reader as to the actual function of GFCI devices---breakers and receptacles---what they can do and cannot do. Most people are under the mistaken impression that if they throw their hair dryer into the bathtub, the GFCI device it is plugged into will trip----thus preventing electrocution of the occupant of the tub. In reality a LOT of things have to go wrong for electrocution to happen---especially in modern homes that have plastic plumbing drains and supply lines. … (14 comments)
Originally the wiring and electrical box was attached to the tree and was most likely more or less functional. Based on the type of wire used in the installation (rated for use underground) GFCI protection for the receptacle would have been required. Of course the installation is in violation of several code requirements, including that the wiring must be protected from mechanical damage after it comes out of the ground. The box is not adequately attached to the tree and … (25 comments)
gfci: Honey----what is that irritating noise out in the garage----I had to wear ear plugs all day?
- 12/07/09 02:32 AM
Current requirements call for their being GFCI protection of ALL 120 volt receptacles in your home's garage. There used to be exceptions for dedicated refrigerator circuits and garage door openers but now these exceptions are no longer allowed in most jurisdictions. Some people argue that putting refrigerators and freezers on GFCI protected receptacles could result in the refrigerator or freezer not having any power and this might go un-noticed resulting in the thawing of foods. I think in time refrigerators and freezers will all have lights and alarms to let you know when power has been lost----some do … (25 comments)
gfci: Test your GFCI's
- 12/30/07 04:20 AM
When was the last time you tested your GFCI protected receptacles----you know those receptacles around the home that have the little test buttons on them (some are red & black)? These receptacles are required in New Construction at many locations including the Garage, outdoors, kitchen, bathrooms etc. In older homes it is considered a good safety improvement to add them at these locations. If they are there, they need to be tested frequently---once a month is the recommendation. Something you may not be aware of about these receptacles (especially the older ones) is that there is no intrinsic connection between the GFCI … (11 comments)
My blog is intended to provide information related to home inspections in Seattle, surrounding communities and anyone else interested. Sometimes I will provide information that has nothing to do with home inspections. Enjoy!
GFCI breakers and devices have been around for quite awhile--since the early 1970’s. This one you see pictured here was installed in 1979 and provided GFCI protection to all of the bathroom receptacles and the receptacles at the exterior of the home. It still tripped with the test button and shut off the power to all of the protected locations—just like it should. If you have ever looked at the installation instructions that come with just about any GFCI device it recommends hitting that test button once a month.
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