In your bathroom you must have a GFI outlet. Most new homes or newly remodeled homes require you to have GFI electrical outlets in the kitchen. Most older kitchens do not have GFI electrical outlets. GFI stands for Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter.
Why not call it GFCI instead of GFI outlet? Well, it’s called a GFCI in some cases. GFI is short for and is the most common name used by most electricians and builders for this type of outlet.
GFIs come in 15 amp and 20 amp outlets. GFI outlets must be wired correctly. Be sure to use the proper wire size when connecting to the GFI outlet.
How do I know what size cable to use? This all depends on how far you are running it from the electrical panel. There are graphs you can use to figure this out. If you are not running electrical wire more than 80 feet from the electrical panel, you can use 12 gauge electrical wire for a 20 amp GFI. This is a general rule of thumb for most household electrical wiring.
If you’re going to be using a 15 amp GFI and you’re going to be within 80 feet of the electrical panel, you can use 14-gauge electrical wire. Again, this is just a general rule of thumb for most household electrical wiring.
A GFI is a lightweight electrical outlet for use in bathrooms, kitchens, and outside of your home. The sole purpose of the GFI is to turn the breaker off faster if there are moisture or light load issues.
Let’s say, for example, that you have your hair dryer plugged into the GFI outlet. The hair dryer somehow falls into the sink while it’s on or plugged in. The GFI outlet will shut down instantly due to the sensitivity of the switch inside the plug itself.
The GFI socket has a test button and a reset button. If you continually reboot the GFI, you will eventually wear it out. I’ve had GFI sockets after resetting the button about 10 times and I can’t use them anymore.
The GFI electrical plug is a great idea and if you don’t have them in your bathroom or outside your house, it would be a great idea to have them installed for you by an electrician.