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Q: Are GFCI necessary? If so, why?

I have be reading recently the need for ground fault circuit interrupters. Why are they so important? My initial thoughts were to think circuitry is the same throughout the whole house. Should GFCI be placed only in the bathroom and kitchen primarily. I need some more insight. Can someone please help?

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  • A:



    Code requires GFCI protected outlets in "wet" areas. YES, a GFCI is very important for your safety. The special circuitry cuts power to the outlet when moisture is sensed, saving you from a possibly fatal shock.

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  • A: Correct answer



    Uh, not quite Jason...

    GFCI's sense the difference in current flowing out of the outlet versus the amount coming back in. If there's even a tiny difference, the GFCI will trip and shut down the circuit.

    If an appliance is defective or shorting, the current may be finding an alternate path to the ground, most likely through your body as you touch both the appliance and the faucet. In a room like a bedroom or living room, it's not an issue; there's no direct conductive path to the ground. But the faucets in your bathrooms and kitchen are connected to copper pipes that eventually run into the earth - a perfect electrical ground circuit.

    GFCI's are absolutely necessary in kitchens and bathrooms. Code says any outlet withing 60 inches of a source of water must be GFCI. You might get sticker shock when you buy them, as they are $10+ versus just 50 or 60 cents for a regular outlet, but they are cheap insurance against electrocution. They can save your life!

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  • A: GFCI receptacle



    A GFCI receptacle continually monitors the electrical circuit. When it detects even the slightest flow of electricity to a grounded item, it will immediately shut off the flow of electricity. This protects us from electrocution.This is extremely important where a person could come in contact with exposed grounded items such as plumbing fixtures.

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    Jan 24, 2021

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