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We all know that electricity and water do not mix. However, we still need to use both in…

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Jun 16, 2025

What Are GFCIs? Why Do I Need Them in and Around My Home?

We all know that electricity and water do not mix. However, we still need to use both in places like bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms—areas where the risk of electrical hazards is higher due to moisture. This is why it’s important to have safety devices, like GFCI outlets, in place.

In this article, Mr. Electric—a top-rated electrical service—explains everything you need to know about GFCI outlets and why they’re important in various parts of your home.

The guys were super nice, I loved that they did the work immediately. Also after having a discussion with them about the static electricity from a lightenimg strike we had and it fried everything they suggested a surge protector to keep that from happening again. So we did that.

Dawn Boyd

Scheduled an appointment with Mr Electric of Fort Worth and received a call  they were able to show up early and had Dylan show up on time stocked with a full truck. He was able to diagnosis the issue quickly and restore my power to a few plugs that were causing the breakers to trip continuously. Dylan was very knowledgable, clearly explained the cause and how he would fix the issue, and addressed all concerns that we had. He was replaced two breakers and installed 2 new outlets along with diagnosing the problem in about an hour. Very quick and so far seems to have resolved our electrical issue. Would definitely recommend Mr Electric of Fort Worth!

Jacob Felderhoff

Dylan was so nice and always on time. Very qualified and explained everything he needed to do in a way I understood. My older house required an outside panel so I had a lot of work but Dylan and his helper worked together very well and finished on time so I was not out of power more than needed. Everything looked and worked great when done. I don't know how he was able to replace the cracked power pole and wiring on my roof so quickly and beautifully. I am very, very impressed with his skill level and would request him for any future work. The company is very well organized and office contact was a pleasure to work with(which is rare since these positions are usually underpaid)so reward her well, she is the "door" to your organization. She and Dylan sealed my deal!

Sherry Christian

Cody was professional, knowledgeable, and was able to provide me with a quick diagnosis pertaining to a wiring issue in one of my rooms. He gave me the price for the repair/modification and fixed the issue all in less than an hour. Thanks Cody!

Kevin Williams

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What is a GFCI?

A Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) is a type of electrical outlet designed to monitor the flow of electricity in a circuit. It detects imbalances in electrical current and shuts off power within a fraction of a second to prevent electric shock. GFCIs are usually installed in areas where water and electricity are likely to come into contact, such as bathrooms, kitchens, garages, basements, laundry rooms, and outdoor outlets.

How Does a GFCI Work?

Under normal conditions, the electrical current flowing into a circuit should equal the current flowing out. If there’s even a slight difference, like when electricity is leaking through a person to the ground, the GFCI senses it. It reacts immediately by cutting off the power. This all happens in milliseconds to reduce the risk of serious shock or electrocution.

GFCIs don’t need to detect a full short circuit to activate. Even a current leak as small as 4 to 6 milliamps can trigger the device, which is enough to cause harm or fatal injury if it travels through a person’s body.

Why Choose Mr. Electric of Fort Worth

We provide reliable, professional electrical services backed by licensed electricians and upfront pricing. Our team is committed to safety, quality workmanship, and on-time service for every job. With trusted local expertise and customer-first care, we deliver solutions you can count on.

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24/7 Electrical Repair Services in Fort Worth,TX and all Surrounding Areas.

Where Are GFCIs Required?

The National Electrical Code (NEC) mandates the use of GFCI outlets in specific parts of the home. These include:

  • Bathrooms
  • Kitchens
  • Laundry and utility rooms
  • Garages
  • Crawl spaces and unfinished basements
  • Exterior outlets
  • Near wet bars or utility sinks
  • Pool areas and spas

Homes built after 1971 may already have GFCIs installed in these areas, but many older homes may still need upgrades to meet current safety standards. Even if not required by code in some cases, it’s still a good idea to have them.

How to Test Your GFCI

GFCI outlets have “Test” and “Reset” buttons on the front. It’s recommended to test them monthly to ensure they’re functioning properly. To test a GFCI:

  1. Plug a small appliance into the outlet.
  2. Press the “Test” button. The appliance should turn off, indicating the power has been cut.
  3. Press the “Reset” button to restore power. If the lamp turns back on, the outlet is working correctly.

If the outlet fails the test, call a local electrician in Fort Worth, TX to perform electrical outlet repair or replacement.

Benefits of GFCIs

The primary benefit of GFCIs is safety. They are designed to protect people from electric shock, which can be especially dangerous in damp or wet environments. In addition to personal safety, GFCIs help prevent electrical fires that can be caused by current leakage.

GFCIs can also add value to your home, improve energy efficiency, and ensure compliance with modern building codes.

When to Replace or Upgrade GFCIs

If your GFCIs are more than 10 years old or fail the monthly test, it’s time to consider a replacement. Outlets that are warm to the touch, frequently trip, or don’t reset properly may be failing. Also, if your home was built before GFCIs were required by code, it’s time to call a local electrical service to install the outlets.

Contact Our Experts at Mr. Electric

Do not hesitate to contact Mr. Electric if you need help with GFCI outlet installation or testing your outlets. We are a team of highly qualified and experienced electricians who are committed to offering first-class services. Our electricians provide outlet installation, electrical outlet repair, electrical safety inspections, and many more. Call us now to schedule service.

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