There are three types of specialized electrical outlets designed to increase safety in homes and businesses. They are Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI), Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (ACFI), and Tamper Resistant Receptacles (TRR). Building codes determine where these outlets are placed in new homes, but older homes may not have any of them.
GFCI outlets (shown here) close down a circuit whenever a short occurs so that people cannot receive an electric shock from an outlet. They are used wherever power is near water, such as in kitchens, bathrooms, exterior outlets, and in garages. Every home and business should have GFCI outlets in those places, so if your building doesn’t, you need to upgrade your outlets.
AFCI outlets stop the flow of power in situations like these: you accidentally drive a nail into the wires inside a wall when you try to hang a picture; your vacuum cleaner cord gets caught under a chair and the insulation is cut, or a connection inside the wall comes loose over time. Both GFCI and AFCI breakers are available for additional safety.
TRRs are mainly for the protection of children sticking things into the outlet. Small doors stop kids from sticking a fork or similar items into the slots. These have been required in US homes built since 2008.
This video from the Electrical Safety Foundation International clearly shows how each of the specialized electrical outlets protects people, and where they are needed. If you do not have these protections in your home, give us a call and we’ll be glad to add them for you. Your family deserves to be protected!
Join the thousands of satisfied customers in central Indiana who call on Frye Electric for their electrical needs. With over 50 years of service in the community, you can be sure we have the skills and the knowledge to meet all your needs, too.