A ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) is a device – often built in to an outlet – that shuts off an electric power circuit when it detects that current is flowing along an unintended path, such as through water or a person.
If you lose power to the outside plugs, garage plugs, kitchen plugs or bathroom plugs, check your ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) first. The GFCI can be in your panel or a receptacle. GFCI receptacles are rectangular with a test and reset button. They will trip at 5 millivolts of a neutral imbalance. They are designed to protect people . It is used to reduce the risk of electric shock, which can cause the heart to stop or cause burns. GFCIs can go bad, check the device before you call for a service call.
In the near future, the code will require surge protection on all new homes and businesses. There are findings that show as many as 80% of surges originate inside of the home or business. Surge arrestors can protect your home and electronics from damage. To do it right you need to put a surge arrestor on your panel / panels, and on anything you want to protect including at your A/C disconnect or where your TV and Stereo are plugged in. Surge arrestors help save equipment and devices. They GFCI will break down instead of your equipment or device. There are a wide variety of surge arrestors. They vary in price and quality. Some you can plug in to the wall and plug in your device (TV or Stereo). Others need to be wired in. Smart homes need surge arrestors.
To learn how to protect your devices, your home and your family, contact us.
