Different Types of GFCI Outlets?
Before you make the decision to get rid of your outdated duplex receptacles and install some new GFCIs, let me introduce which one you will need and where you can install them. To know the difference clearly will help you to understand well the applications to save unnecessary expenses.
15 Amp Duplex Receptacle or 20 Amp Duplex Receptacle
From the first beginning when standard electrical outlet appear in American homes, these outlet receptacles actually are not able to provide ground fault protection for people. This means the users are at high risk of accidental electrical shock without the ground fault protection. The missing protection from these receptacles promote the innovations required by the NEC(National Electrical Code). It’s the time to replace these with GFCIs for safety consideration.
Basic GFCI receptacles
The basic GFCI receptacles are watching the current flowing through the conductor to judge if any current is leaking from the circuit. If GFCI find that electricity is not on its intended path, it will trips to terminate the electricity flow to stop prevent accidental electrocution. You can install this type of products in your kitchens, bathrooms, garages, crawl spaces, unfinished basements and laundry rooms. We do not suggest to install this for outdoor usage, will explain in the coming content.
Tamper Resistant GFCI receptacles
According to 2017 National Electrical Code, the main objective for these GFCIs is to protect users especially children from shock and injury when they are being using in new construction or renovation. The tamper resistant GFCIs are designed with built-in shutter that only open when a proper plug is inserted. This is required by cod to be used in hallways, bathroom areas, small appliance circuits, wall spaces, laundry areas, garages and countertops for residential homes, apartment buildings and hotels etc.
Weather Resistant GFCI receptacles
Except for usage in indoor locations, GFCI shall be useful in more and more occasions when it is required by 2008 National Electrical Code for use in damp or wet areas. With this new function, you can use weather resistant GFCI receptacles in Patios, decks, porches, pool areas, garages, yards, and other outdoor damp locations. It is designed to withstand extreme cold, corrosion, and damp environments. We strongly suggest to use a weather resistant cover When installing a weather resistant GFCI in a damp location.
Self-Test GFCI receptacles
The self-test GFCI receptacle has the ability to automatically and periodically test the status of the GFCI as per requirements of 2015 Underwriters Laboratories Standard 943. The GFCI must visually indicate its status when test is complete, these functions will deny power if the GFCI is not working normally . These improvements have been proved as additional protection when it comes with one LED indicator for showing the test status. Usually users can check the LED light status to judge by themselves if the product is still working normally without calling back electricians.
Faith Electric is one professional wiring devices manufacturer for GFCI outlet receptacles, AFCI GFCI combo, USB wall outlets and receptacles. We offer integrated one-stop solution by using patented technology and encouraging constant innovation to provide the uncompromised safety protection to end users for both indoor and outdoor electrical appliances
Post time: Oct-28-2022