GFCI Outlet Installation

What Is a GFCI Outlet?

If you’re new to owning your home or new to the facets of electrical work, you might be asking yourself questions like “What is a GFCI outlet?” or “Why do GFCI outlets matter?”  GFCI stands for ground-fault circuit interrupter. These unique outlets help monitor the electrical currents that pass through a circuit and cut off electricity from going where it shouldn’t. 

What’s most likely to interrupt the flow of power and tip the balance of your circuits? Water. These outlets help homeowners protect themselves from the electrical shocks that can occur whenever water is in play. Areas like bathrooms, kitchens, or the space around a pool or water feature should all be equipped with GFCI outlets for your family’s safety.

The GFCI Receptacle

GFCI receptacles are easily the most accessible and common form of GFCI protection. They’re relatively inexpensive and can replace any standard receptacle or outlet in your home. 

GFCI outlets need to be installed by a professional to work correctly, as the GFCI outlet wiring is done differently. Aardvark Electric can help protect your home with properly installed GFCI outlets, so you can experience less shock and more awe!

Where Should I Have GFCI Outlets Installed?

If you’re a homeowner looking to stay compliant with the National Electrical Code, many areas of your home will require GFCI protection. Any outside receptacles, bathrooms, garages, kitchens, crawl spaces, and unfinished basements will need a GFCI receptacle. 

Depending on your home’s infrastructure, you may require additional GFCI outlet wiring. Homes built before the 1970s might need some special attention, particularly in kitchens or basements, where the NEC didn’t require them for quite some time. Talk with your Aardvark Electric electrician during your installation to see where you would benefit from a GFCI outlet in your home.

AFCI vs. GFCI Outlets

Now that you’re more familiar with the GFCI, you might be curious about its close relative, the AFCI. AFCI stands for arc-fault circuit interrupter. These are receptacles focused on protecting other areas of your home from fires. They’re commonly found in spaces like bedrooms, living rooms, dens, closets, and laundry rooms. 

What are a few of the significant differences in AFCI vs. GFCI? Even though their concept is similar in that they protect your home, they function differently and shield you from particular problems. 

Need a professional electrician in Atlanta? Call Aardvark Electric today at (404) 806-6851!

The AFCI 

AFCI protects against the high amount of power discharged during an arc fault, possibly preventing your home from catching fire. Arc faults are usually caused by damaged wiring, cords, or wires exposed to excessive sunlight or heat or compromised outlets and circuits. AFCIs should be tested monthly to ensure they’re working correctly.

The GFCI

Unlike arc faults, ground faults are almost exclusively caused by water coming in contact with electrical products or parts. The GFCI can prevent you from receiving electrical shocks by cutting off the power to the circuit if it detects any abnormalities. 

It’s said that almost half of all electrical shocks caused in the home could have been prevented with a proper GFCI outlet installation. Like the AFCI, these outlets should be tested regularly and replaced if needed.

How Much Does a GFCI Outlet Installation Cost?

If you think your home might need another GFCI outlet or a replacement for an old outlet, it could be tempting to save some money and work on the project yourself. However, if your goal is to make your home less dangerous, the last thing you’ll want is to put yourself in harm’s way by working on electrical without any experience. The bottom line is that it will always be worth it to call a professional for electrical work.

GFCI outlets themselves are relatively cheap, running about $15 per receptacle. The Atlanta, GA, homeowner will pay around $200 on average for an outlet installation, but this number can vary depending on certain factors. Some electricians will charge per outlet, while others will charge per hour, so you will want to consider this when budgeting your installation.

Aardvark Electric is always available to provide affordable electrical services, and GFCI outlet installation is no exception. If you’d like to learn more about how much an installation in your home would cost, call our team today.

Enjoy a Safer Home with GFCI Outlet Installation from Aardvark Electric

Relax by the pool in peace or wash up after dinner worry-free with a GFCI outlet installation from our talented electricians. For more information about our comprehensive electrical services, get in touch with our experts to learn how we can help you feel the power of Aardvark Electric! If it’s time to invest in some electrical protection in your home, or if you ever need quality electrical work done in Atlanta, GA, we’re the team to call.