"What Are These Little
Buttons On My Outlets?"
By Tim Oglesby, Home Check
America
The little buttons on electrical
outlets marked as "test" and "reset" are specially designed to
better protect people from electric shock than ordinary outlets.
GFCI's or GFI's as they are commonly called, have been used in homes
since the 1970's, although most notably in the last ten years.
GFCI's are designed to shut power off to the outlet if there is a
very small variance, interruption, or "leak" of any electricity,
which ordinary outlets don't detect. Normal outlets turn off by a
fuse or breaker if more than 15 amps flows through the breaker.
Fuses or breakers prevent the wires from over heating, thus
preventing fires. But fuses and breakers do not protect people from
electrocution. Surprisingly enough, people can be killed by just 1
amp of electrical current. GFCI's turn off power if a variation as
small as .005 amps occurs.
How do they work?
A GFCI detects a small "leak" or
variance in electrical current by comparing how much electricity
comes back through the neutral (white) wire to how much was sent in
the hot (black) wire. If just .005 variance in amperage between the
two wires is detected, the GCFI "trips" and will not allow
electricity to pass through it. Appliances that are malfunctioning,
power surges and moisture in the outlet can cause these variances.
People can be an excellent grounding source for a "leaking" outlet.
The unsuspecting person may get a shock from a normal outlet, but is
protected from a properly functioning GFCI outlet because the GFCI
trips at the slightest fluctuation in electricity.
Where are they used?
GFCI's are now required by code
for outdoor outlets and all areas within six feet of a water source
inside the home, which includes bathrooms, laundry rooms, garages,
basements, and the kitchen.
Do all GFCI's have buttons?
No. Some outlets are GFCI
protected at the electric panel box with a special GFCI breaker that
performs the same function as a GFCI outlet for all outlets running
to that breaker. Any outlet wired in series downstream of a GFCI
outlet or GFCI breaker is protected. So, some normal looking outlets
may be GFCI protected. Most hardware stores sell GFCI testers that
will trip a GFCI when used.
Can older houses have GFCI's?
Yes. GFCI's can be added to any
electrical system. Home Check America inspectors recommend they be
installed whenever they are absent in a home. Although they do not
replace the grounding system of the home, some codes do allow them
in place of grounding in some cases. They are more expensive than
regular outlets ($10-$15 vs. 50-90 cents), but are an inexpensive
protection from electric shocks.
About the Author
In 1984 Tim Oglesby unknowingly
bought a home with significant defects. In 1994 he began Home Check
America to assist new homeowners in NE Illinois. With a degree in
business and masters in management, Tim was trained as a home
inspector with Carson & Dunlop Engineering, was a general contractor
for eight years, and is a licensed home inspector and real estate
broker. He is a sought after public speaker and author on issues
important to property management and home inspections.
Contact:
www.homecheckamerica.com or call toll free
1-866-245-4663. Home Check America is responsible
for the content of its articles and has no
affiliation with the RE/MAX organization.
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