Above all else, you want your home to be safe. A great way to ensure this is to keep your electrical system up to date. This includes upgrading your outlets. If you need a protected electrical system you can rely on, consider taking advantage of GFCI outlets in Northeast Ohio. These outlets safeguard you from electrical shock and electrocution in areas where you have moisture or water. Not only will this simple home improvement keep you and your family safe, but it will also ensure your home is up to code. Here at Clover Electric, our expert electricians can evaluate your home’s current outlets and recommend where you’ll benefit the most from this upgrade.
Clover Electric is your go-to expert when it comes to GFCI outlets in Northeast Ohio. Call us today to schedule your outlet upgrade.
Understanding GFCI Outlets
Electrical installation of GCFI outlets is required by code in certain areas of the home, like kitchens. They work by continually keeping track of the electrical current that flows in and out of a circuit. It sends power out on a hot wire. In return, it expects an equal amount of current back on a neutral wire. If it detects even the slightest differences in power, it assumes the current is leaking to the ground. This could be through an individual, which is extremely dangerous. The outlet immediately trips the circuit, which cuts the power off within one-tenth of a second.
Your GFCI outlets will come with test and reset buttons. When you use the “test” button, it simulates a ground fault and allows you to make sure the device is working properly. The reset button will restore power after it trips.
- Visible outlet damage
- Hot to the touch
- Burning odor
- 2-prong outlets
- Frequent circuit tripping
- Unusual noises
- Flickering lights
How Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters Protect Your Home
By immediately stopping the power when it detects an issue, these outlets can prevent shocks and possible electrocution. Ground-fault circuit interrupters are available in a standard outlet design or as a circuit breaker that protects an entire circuit. Our installation service can provide you with the perfect GFCI outlets for all of your needs. This includes offering weather-resistant versions for outdoor use. Whether you want to upgrade your existing outlets or add additional ones to your home, we can help.When GFCI Outlets Are Needed
Ground-fault circuit interrupters are necessary whenever you have an outlet within 6 feet of a sink. This would be along your kitchen countertops, near the bathroom vanity, or next to a wet bar. They’re also ideal for ground-level exterior outlets. They’re especially important in unfinished areas, such as the garage, basement, or crawlspace. Basically, you’ll want to replace your current outlets with these in any space where you can come into contact with moisture.
- Kitchen
- Bathroom
- Laundry room
- Garage
- Basement
- Crawl space
- Outdoors
Kitchens, Bathrooms, and Outdoor Areas
A simple electrical outlet upgrade in the kitchen, bathroom, or outdoors can keep you and your family safe. These are areas where you are most likely to use a plug-in device close to water. Many people use their hair dryers, electric razors, and curling irons right next to the tub or sink. Think about how often you use an electric mixer, can opener, or crockpot near the kitchen sink. You don’t want to take chances when it comes to mixing electrical currents with moisture. A GFCI will immediately know if the current is passing through anything other than its intended path. This includes traveling through your body.
Upgrade to GFCI Outlets Today!
If you need to upgrade your standard outlets to ground-fault circuit interrupters, Clover Electric can help. We have over 40 years of experience providing area residents with top-rated electrical services. We’re a family-owned and operated company with licensed, highly trained professionals ready to assist you. When you reach out to us, you’ll receive upfront pricing and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. We have BBB accreditation and are proud members of the Solon and Chagrin Valley Chambers of Commerce.
Call Clover Electric now to upgrade your outlets to GFCI in Northeast Ohio.
Frequently Asked Questions
You shouldn’t be left wondering when it comes to the safety of your home’s electrical system. These are a few of the most common questions we hear about GFCI outlets.
What does a GFCI outlet do?
A GFCI outlet protects you from shock or electrocution. It does this by turning the power off when it detects a problem with the electrical current. If there’s even a slight imbalance in the current, it cuts the power within milliseconds.
How often should GFCI outlets be tested?
You should perform a manual test on these outlets at least once a month. You’ll also want to test them after a power outage, power surge, or storm. In addition, we’ll test your outlets after we perform any electrical work on your property.
Are GFCI outlets required by code?
Yes, the National Electrical Code now requires these types of outlets. They are necessary in certain areas of the home, like bathrooms and kitchens. This is due to the increased risk of shock due to moisture. Requirements have grown to include them in garages, basements, crawl spaces, and the outdoors, too.
Can GFCI outlets replace standard outlets?
Yes, these outlets can replace a standard one. It’s a popular option when wanting to add modern safety features to a home. Installation will require identifying the incoming power line and any other outlets downstream. A specific type of GFCI outlet is capable of protecting multiple standard outlets wired after it in the same circuit.
Does Clover Electric install GFCI outlets throughout the home?
Yes, Clover Electric does install these outlets throughout the home. We can install them in your kitchen, bathroom, garage, or any place where codes require them. Also, we can install them in any other room where you want to add safety. This includes your outdoor spaces.
