GFCI outlets

User: Corinthians
Posts 50

Anytime you do a remodel on an older house, you need to factor this in. Contractors are required by law to do it so that houses meet new code.

User: kimchi
Posts 50

These are a must have if you have any kids in the house. And a pretty good upgrade for everyone else who lives in an older house.

User: SallyDP
Posts 100

Thank you so much for the info! I didn't know what it meant even though I've heard it many times... and actually never thought of researching about it. I learn new things in here!!

User: southboca
Posts 51

It stands for Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter and keeps you from getting shocked or electrocuted. A GFCI device shuts off when it senses a difference in the amount of electricity passing through the device and returning through the device, or a "leak" of current from the circuit. If you have an older house, you'll will want to make sure that you upgrade these in your bathrooms and kitchen.

User: allieb
Posts 8

my understanding is that these are necessary around water, like in the kitchen or above a bathroom sink. not sure how vital they are, but when i've had renovations done, they are installed as part of the overall job as required by code.

User: toto
Posts 6

What is a GFCI outlet and do i need to have these in my home?