What's a GFCI and Why is it So Important for Your Lakeland Home?

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When a licensed electrician works on your home's wiring, you might hear them mention "GFCIs." But what exactly are they, and why are they so crucial for your safety?

A Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) is a fast-acting safety device designed to protect you from electrical shocks. It constantly monitors the flow of electricity in a circuit. If it detects a difference in the current—even a tiny one that could be caused by electricity "leaking" out of a wire and into something it shouldn't, like a wet surface or even a person—it instantly shuts off the power. This happens in a fraction of a second, preventing a potentially fatal electrical shock.

GFCIs are required by the National Electrical Code in areas where water is present, such as:

• Bathrooms

• Kitchens

• Garages

• Pool areas and outdoor outlets

• Basements

If your home was built before the 1970s, you likely don't have GFCI protection. If you're a homeowner with older wiring, it's a critical safety upgrade to have a professional electrician install them, especially in wet areas. It's a small investment that can save a life.