Marietta Electrician Installs GFCI and AFCI
Count on a Marietta electrician, like Thrasher Electrical, LLC to protect you from electrical shocks and fire hazards by installing GFCI and AFCI switches. One of the most important advancements concerning electrical safety can be attributed to the implementation of Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters and Arc Fault Circuit Interupters. Most people living in modern structures today have the privilege of using electrical outlets with this technology now required by law.
How Can GFCI Protect Your Marietta Home and Business?
The purpose of a GFCI electrical outlet is to protect the user in case of an electrical short. Electrical shocks to humans occur when the person completes an electrical circuit. The surge of electricity flowing through the body can cause great harm and in a worst case scenario, death.
Today, the use of GFCI electrical outlets in high risk electrical shock areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, basements and the outdoors is commonplace. These high risk electrical areas have proven to contribute to thousands of deaths and injuries before the National Electrical Code was enacted, requiring structures to implement these special safety oriented devices in those areas.
Unfortunately, many homes and commercial structures built prior to 1970 do not have these potentially lifesaving electrical outlets installed. GFCI outlets are clearly identified by a simple inspection that can be conducted by the homeowner. All GFCI outlets have a “test” and “reset” button installed on the face of the receptacle. While receptacle type GFCI are the most common, some homes or commercial structures may have the circuit breaker type installed by a certified electrician which provides a wider array of protection.
If the property owner discovers that their electrical outlets placed in high risk areas are not of the GFCI type, it is very important that these older, potentially dangerous electrical receptacles be replaced immediately by a highly trained electrician.
It is recommended by the Department of Energy that homeowners check for proper operation of their GFCI outlets once a month. This can be done simply by plugging in a small lamp or test probe into the outlet. Pressing the test button should cause the reset button to pop out while cutting power to the device. If the device continues to have power after the test button has been pushed and the reset button pops out, the GFCI receptacle may be wired incorrectly. If the reset button does not pop out, the unit may be defective and will need to be replaced by a qualified electrician. To restore power to the electrical device connected to the outlet after pressing the test button, simply press the reset button.
How Can an Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter Protect Your Marietta Residential and Commercial Structure?
An Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) is an ingenious device that is designed specifically to thwart fires caused electricity. Like the older GFCI technologies used today, it employs the same testing and reset buttons. The main difference and advantage is that an AFCI protection circuit has is the ability to detect high current electrical arcs that can cause catastrophic fires. The moment that higher than normal current draw is detected and caused by an electrical arc condition, an AFCI protected circuit will automatically cut off power to the device.
thrasher Electrical, LLC is a licensed and bonded contractor serving all of Cobb County, including East Cobb, Acworth, Kennesaw, Vinings, Smyrna, Mableton, Austell and of course, Marietta, GA. Call 770-217-7527 for service to all your electrical needs.
