This is a GFCI outlet. A GFCI outlet, also referred to as a GFI, stands for Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter. This is a special type of outlet that is designed to protect us from receiving an electric shock. Using only mechanical parts, a GFCI outlet can detect a safety issue and cut power to the outlet within 20–30 milliseconds, saving lives and preventing damage to your home.
How a GFCI outlet is different from a standard outlet
A standard AC wall outlet simply connects your electrical device directly to your home electrical panel via a copper wiring in what is called an electrical circuit. The only safety measure in place in this circuit is your fuse or circuit breaker. These are designed to 'trip' if more power is drawn than the circuit can handle. This is usually 15 to 20 amps. Some outlets may have a ground connection wiring in place which allows excess current to flow safely to ground, but this was not a standard building code until the 1970s.
A GFCI outlet adds an extra layer of safety and protection to that electrical circuit. Internally, a GFCI outlet features mechanical components that can detect unwanted changes in the flow of electricity and shut OFF power to the outlet. GFCI outlets are, by code, to be installed in areas where they might be exposed to moisture and debris such as kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoors.
How a GFCI outlet operates
In normal operation, a GFCI outlet expects to see the same amount of power flowing in from the electrical panel as it flows back out to the electrical panel. If something such as a faulty electrical device is plugged into the outlet, debris and liquid enters the outlet or someone places a metal item into the outlet, the current flow returning to the breaker panel will drop. This causes a mechanism inside the GFCI outlet to trigger and cut power to the outlet. This usually happens within 20–30 milliseconds, which is fast enough to save you from a nasty shock.
Once triggered, the GFCI outlet will no longer provide power through its outlets. GFCI outlets feature a Test and Reset button. When the outlet is triggered the Reset button will need to be pressed in, which re-engages the safety mechanism inside the outlet and allows power to flow once again. The Test button on the outlet allows you to manually trigger the outlet to ensure it is functioning properly.
- GFCI outlets detect power imbalances and cut power.
- A fuse/circuit breaker detects a high power draw and cuts power.
In short, a fuse/circuit breaker in your electrical panel will stop a device from drawing too much power and starting a fire while a GFCI outlet will stop you from getting shocked.
Why GFCI outlets are important for safety
Imagine you are outside after a bit of rain. You do not realize that the extension cord you are using is slightly frayed, with some of the wiring exposed and touching your skin. You plug the extension cord into your GFCI outlet and hear a 'click', but nothing else happens. That GFCI outlet just saved you from a nasty shock.
GFCI outlets are designed to stop the power flow as soon as they sense a power issue, allowing you time to rectify it rather than potentially creating a safety hazard. As part of the US building code when it comes to electrical outlets that will be used in areas where they are exposed to moisture and debris, a GFCI outlet is required.
In your living room, an electrical outlet might be exposed to a bit of dust, but usually just falls to the floor. Electrical outlets in kitchens, bathrooms or outdoors are constantly being exposed to grease, moisture, and wind-blown dirt and debris. If any of these items enter an outlet, it can cause electrical safety issues. That is why here at Belkin, when using a Belkin product that is designed for outdoor use, we recommend only connecting to a GFCI outlet for you and your family’s safety.
