

AFCI OutletsĪnother protective type of outlet that looks almost identical to a GFCI outlet is called an AFCI outlet, but it’s not quite as well known. Plus, if you install a single GFCI outlet at the beginning of a circuit, all outlets following in that circuit will be protected anyway. You can install a GFCI circuit breaker on your circuit breaker box (all houses built after 2014 should already have these), which will protect that entire circuit from ground faults, but they’re much more expensive than a few GFCI outlets.

GFCI outlets are a bit more expensive than regular outlets, but they’re required to be installed in locations like the kitchen and bathroom. A GFCI outlet will kill power before the current can even remotely escape the hair dryer. In other words, if you happen to be using a faulty hair dryer and your feet are wet, a short circuit from the hair dryer can cause the current to pass through you, to your wet feet, and into the ground, effectively electrocuting you.

Normal electrical flow happens when the current comes through the hot wire and returns back through the neutral wire, but if electricity flows beyond that, the GFCI outlet will trip. GFCI stands for ground fault circuit interrupter, and it’s meant to quickly shut off power at that outlet when it detects a short circuit or a ground fault. In pretty much every house where an outlet is close to a water source, you’ll likely find a GFCI outlet. A strategically placed outlet above a shelf or table or in a cubby provides a great place to leave. CHECK OUT: How Much Does it Cost to Install an Outlet? Entry outlets. These six places to consider when installing outlets might spark your interest. Installing electrical outlets in these places can make your life easier and home prettier. DEWENWILS Outdoor Wireless Remote Control Outlet Kit, Weatherproof Electrical Plug In Remote Light Switch, 3 Grounded Outlets, 15 AMP Heavy Duty, 100 Feet RF Signal, UL Listed 4.7 out of 5 stars 452 $15.99.
