As young children we're taught that electrical devices should be kept far away from any type of water. The water that comes from a bathtub, rain, or even water running from the sink all pose a serious risk to the health and sometimes the lives of individuals; or at least they used to. These days modern technology and electricians can apply a technology that makes using electrical devices near water much safer. This technology is known as a ground fault interrupter in professional circles but is better known as GFI outlets by the vast majority of homeowners.
Interestingly enough however many homeowners continue to erroneously believe that dropping a hair dryer into a single bathtub can cause harm as can using power tools in the rain. While it's certainly not recommended that any homeowner allow these things to happen or to test the technology, homeowners are now protected by GFI outlets. These specialized outlets essentially prohibit electrical current from escaping into water and from their devices of origin.
Though many homeowners don't even know that their homes are equipped with GFI outlets, they are fairly easy to spot. Many times homeowners will notice something different about a particular outlet and ask themselves "what is this thing?". Homeowners can find GFI outlets all over their home too. They're often installed in bathrooms, close to kitchen sinks, and in basements and garages as well. It's also not uncommon to find this protective technology installed outdoors near swimming pools and/or hot tubs. Homeowners can identify these types of outlets by their two color-coded buttons that sit in between the two plugs in an outlet.
Homeowners unsure of whether or not they actually have GFI outlets in their home can breathe a sigh of relief because these type of outlets are required by law meaning most homes, even those that were built decades ago, have been brought up to code and feature several of these outlets throughout their structure. GFI outlets are required by law simply because they severely reduce the number of accidental injuries and deaths via electricity.
Once homeowners find out they have ground fault interrupters is in their home they often begin to wonder how it all works. GFI outlets basically detect and monitor any and all changes in an outlet. Anytime an appliance plugs into one of these outlets the technology behind them allows them to determine how much current is flowing into the appliance and back into the outlet. GFI plugs also monitor the rate of exchange between the two and when there is even the slightest increase or decrease the outlet shuts down immediately. The shutting down of these outlets keeps people safe in the event a major appliance and the person using it encounters water or some type of surge.
Homeowners who find that they have too few or no GFI outlets in their home at all needn't worry. These type of outlets are available at virtually every type of hardware and home improvement store out there. They're also extremely affordable though when it comes to installation homeowners are strongly advised to contact a professional electrician. It only takes a split second to be injured or killed by electricity so it behooves interested homeowners to seek out the assistance of a professional. Additionally having a professional come out to install GFI outlets in a home can also help homeowners become aware of any electrical risks or repairs.
SA-Electric specializes in Orange electrician and electrical services.
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