What is a GFCI?
GFI or GFCI Outlets stand for Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter. GFCI is integrated in the outlet. It is like a breaker within the outlet. For example, when you plug in an appliance, like a hair dryer, the GFCI outlet monitors the amount of power going to the blow dryer. If you accidentally drop the appliance, that said hair dryer, into a sink full of water, the GFCI will detect the interruption in current and should cut the power. You know that all too common “pop/click” sound from the button popping out on the GFCI outlet indicating the circuit has been cut. (Sometimes a light will indicate this.) The GFCI has just helped prevent an accident.
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Can a GFCI outlet go bad?
Absolutely. A typical GFCI outlet is known to last an average of about 10 years. In areas prone to storms and outages (hello, Indiana) the lifespan of your GFCI outlet can be 5 years or fewer. So what are the symptoms of a failing GFCI outlet? Read on, my friend.
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Don't Let Your Lights Go Out When the Lights Go Out!
Don't let your lights go out! With hurricanes and storms battering the US, losing power is at the forefront of our minds. Although it is highly unlikely for Indiana to get a hurricane, we get our fair share of dangerous storms and tornadoes. Just this past year, Indiana suffered regular power outages due to snowstorms, thunderstorms and tornadoes. Will your family be ready for the next round of storms? (more…)