Bayway Homes

First of all, what does a GFCI outlet do and how can it protect my home and occupants? I like to describe it this way. It is basically a measuring device for leaking amperage. A GFCI works by measuring the current on the ungrounded conductor and comparing it to the current on the grounded (neutral) conductor.If the difference between the two is greater than 4 to 6 milliamperes, the circuit is interrupted. When the circuit is interrupted, the reset button pops out on the outlet, and the power at that outlet is dead. The reset button will have to be pushed to be able to use that outlet again. This can protect your home against a possible electrical fire, as well as protect you body from becoming the path to ground for runaway electricity. They basically protect us from the risk of electrical shock. You can still get a shock from these outlets, but they will prevent us from being electrocuted. It is kind of a nice thing to have when you really stop to think about it.

 Okay, so how long have GFCI outlets been in use? My grandmothers home doesn’t have these, is it required in all homes? GFCI type electrical outlets have been in use for almost 40 years. They first become required in homes in 1971. But at that time, they were only required near swimming pools , and on the exterior of the home. Starting in 1975, GFCI outlets were required in the bathrooms of new homes. Then in 1987, this requirement was extended to the kitchen area as well. Today, they are required in quite a few more areas of the home. But, as for your grandmothers  house, they are probably not required there. Why? It depends upon when the home was built. If the home was built before these “codes” and requirements were in effect, they are probably not present. These requirements only pertain to new construction, and any remodeling done after the requirement has been adopted by the local area. So, if your 1950 home had some bathroom remodeling done recently, chances are the bathroom is now GFCI protected. But the kitchen may not be protected, because it was not a requirement at that time.

 What areas of the home are required to have these GFCI outlets? The list of these areas keeps getting longer and longer. Every three years these requirements are re-written and updated. Each update it seems another area of the home is requiring GFCI protection. Right now they are required in all kitchen, bathroom, laundry, garage, exterior, unfinished basement, and crawlspace areas. I will not get into all the details as far as where in these rooms they are required, but you get the basics. They are also required in a boathouse if you have one on your property. Now, as I stated earlier, this may not  be a requirement in your present home because of the dates, but they are a very nice safety upgrade.

 To upgrade to these outlets is not very expensive per outlet. Most hardware stores carry these outlets for between $10 and $20. Have a professional electrician install these outlets for you if you are unfamiliar with electrical wiring or do not feel comfortable. Also, by installing these outlets you will be making your home safer for you and your family. Instead of an outlet, you may also install GFCI breakers that will protect  the circuit, but you will have to go to the panel every time it trips, instead of restting it at the outlet.

 When a home inspector goes through a  house that was built pre-GFCI requirements, we do not state that the GFCI outlets are a requirement, because they are not. What most of us do report however, is that they would be a good idea from a safety standpoint. There are certain things that just make sense from a safety standpoint in your home, and GFCI outlets are one of them. Your home inspector should be making at least the recommendation for safety upgrades to this type of outlet.

 Now quick, run into the bathroom or kitchen and see if you have GFCI outlets. Happy hunting!!