How GFCI Outlets Keep You Safe
GFCIs are required by the National Electric Code (NEC) in all new kitchens, bathrooms, unfinished basements, crawl spaces, and most outdoor receptacles. If you own an older home, you should retrofit GFCI receptacles at those locations or have GFCI breaker switches mounted in the main breaker panel.
The great thing about GFCIs is that they protect you whether or not your wiring is grounded. Lightning and other power surges can damage a GFCIs delicate circuitry at any time, so we recommend you perform the following test on a monthly basis: Plug in a light fixture and turn it on. Then push the device’s test button. If the light stays on, the GFCI needs to be replaced.
