Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI)
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters, more commonly referred to as GFCI, are a crucial safety device for the love ones in your home. A GFCI receptacle constantly monitors an electrical circuit. If it detects even a slight flow of electricity to a grounded item, it immediately shuts off the flow of electricity. This helps to protect people from electrocution in a kitchen, bathroom, garage, unfinished areas, and outlets located outside.
According to the American Society of Home Inspectors, “21% of GFCI circuit breakers and 19% of GFCI receptacles inspected didn’t provide protection, leaving the energized circuit unprotected.” It is a safety device so it is important to have the functionality of your GFCIs tested by a licensed electrician. GFCI protection devices fail at times due to age, condition, and improper wiring. For instance, leaving the switching contacts closed and allowing the device to continue to provide power without protection.
Do not assume a GFCI protection device is operational, have a licensed electrician test your GFCIs before relying on it to protect you!
There is a new revision to the UL 943 standard effective June 29, 2015. This new standard requires all GFCI receptacle manufacturers to produce GFCIs with an automonitoring (self-test) feature that automatically conducts a periodic internal test to confirm the GFCI is able respond to a ground fault. If a problem is detected during the self-test, the GFCI must automatically trip and deny power or provide a visual and/or audible indication.
To have an electrical consultation of your home’s GFCI, give us a call at 720-621-2466, or book an appointment at ieands.com. A MASTER ELECTRICIAN WILL PERFORM an inspection of your GFCI and electrical system, to insure it is meeting proper protection requirements.
Interstate Electric and Solar serves Arvada, Aurora, Castle Rock, Commerce City, Conifer, Denver, Elizabeth, Englewood, Franktown, Golden, Henderson, Indian Hills, Littleton, Lone Tree, Morrison, Parker, Watkins, Westminster, Wheat Ridge and all other local areas
