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Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI)

Preventing Electrocutions Since 1971

Since the first introduction of GFCIs in homes, there has been an:

  • 81% drop in electrocutions
  • 95% drop in electrocutions caused by consumer products.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that:

  • 47% of current electrocutions could be prevented with proper GFCI protection 
  • 50% of American homes were built before the introduction of GFCIs
  • There are potentially 43 million American homes without GFCI protection

Was your home built before 1976? Have a qualified electrician inspect your electrical system to ensure it is up to code.

The Importance of a Qualified Electrician

Qualified electricians are:

  • Licensed to work in your state
  • Dedicated to continual quality of work based on continuing education
  • Trained on the National Electrical Code – the minimum safety standard for electrical work
  • Qualified electricians have 500-750 days of on the job apprenticeship training and 144 hours of classroom training before they are licensed to work on your home or business

Electrocutions vs. GFCI-Protected Home

(Data from National Vital Statistics System, Mortality on CDC WONDER Online Database)

 

Major GFCI Mandates in the National Electrical Code. 

  • 1971: Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters required for outdoor receptacles
  • 1975: Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters required for bathroom receptacles
  • 1978: Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters required in garage wall receptacles
  • 1987:
    • Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters on countertop receptacles within 6 ft of kitchen sink
    • Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters required in at least one basement receptacle
  • 1990: Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters required in crawl spaces
  • 1993: Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters required within 6 ft of wet bar sinks
  • 1996:
    • Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters required in all outdoor receptacles, including balconies 
    • Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters required for all kitchen receptacles serving countertops
  • 1999: Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter required for electric heating cables in all floors
  • 2005: Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter required within 6 ft of laundry & utility sinks
  • 2011: Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter required in receptacles within 6 ft of any sink
  • 2014:
    • Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter required in receptacles within 6 ft of any bathtub or shower stall 
    • Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter required in receptacles in laundry areas
    • Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter required in receptacles or junction boxes for kitchen dishwashers
  • 2017: Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter Current Requirements
  • 2020:
    • Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter required in Outdoor Hardwired Outlets
    • Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter required in Sump Pumps