GFCI Receptacle
GFCI Receptacle

Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters: Preventing Electrocution Since 1971

The International Association of Electrical Inspectors (IAEI) is working with the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) to educate consumers about the importance of GFCIs in preventing electric shock and electrocutions.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that 50% of home electrocutions have been prevented by the introduction of Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs). GFCIs are electrical safety devices that trip electrical circuits when they detect ground faults or leakage currents. A person who becomes part of a path for leakage current will be severely shocked or electrocuted. These outlets prevent deadly shock by quickly shutting off power to the circuit if the electricity flowing into the circuit differs by even a slight amount from that returning. A GFCI should be used in any indoor or outdoor area where water may come into contact with electrical products. The National Electrical Code (NEC) currently requires that GFCIs be installed in all kitchens, bathrooms, garages, outdoors, and within six feet of any sink.

Figure 1. GFCI adoption trends
Figure 1. GFCI adoption trends

GFCIs have been required by the NEC since 1971. Since the first introduction of GFCIs in homes, there has been an 81% drop in electrocutions and a 95% drop in electrocutions caused by consumer products. But because the code only applies to new construction, if electrical improvements have not been made in your older home, you could be putting yourself and your family at risk of electrocution.

 


Major GFCI Mandates in the National Electrical Code

1971: Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters required for outdoor receptacles

1975: Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters required for bathroom receptacles

1978: Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters required in garage wall receptacles

1987: Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters on countertop receptacles within 6 ft of kitchen sink

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters required in at least one basement receptacle

1990: Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters required in crawl spaces

1993: Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters required within 6 ft of wet bar sinks

1996: Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters required in all outdoor receptacles, including balconies

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters required as all kitchen receptacles serving countertops

1999: Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter required for electric heating cables in all floors

2005: Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter required within 6 ft of laundry & utility sinks

2011: Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter required in receptacles within 6 ft of any sink

2014: Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter required in receptacles within 6 ft of any bathtub or shower stall

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter required in receptacles in laundry areas

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter required in receptacles or junction boxes for kitchen dishwashers

2017: Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter Current Requirements


“In a society where children and adults frequently live with phones and other electronics in their hands, it’s important to remember how deadly these devices can be when plugged into a source of electricity,” said ESFI President, Brett Brenner. “When plugged into a GFCI outlet, it could mean the difference between life and death.”

GFCIs should be tested monthly to ensure that they are in working order. Any person can test a GFCI at the receptacle, but if the device is not functioning properly, ESFI recommends contacting a qualified electrician to repair it.

To ensure that your home has GFCIs in all required locations, contact a qualified electrician near you. To learn more about electrical safety and code requirements, visit www.esfi.org.

ESFI
The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) is a non-profit organization dedicated exclusively to promoting electrical safety in the home, school, and workplace. To commemorate National Electrical Safety Month, ESFI spearheads an annual campaign each May to educate key audiences about the steps that can be taken in order to reduce the number of electrically-related fires, fatalities, injuries, and property loss. For more information about ESFI and National Electrical Safety Month, visit www.esfi.org.