GFCI/GFI Outlet Services in Troy
Professional GFCI Outlet Services
Quick Recap
- GFCI outlets, also known as GFI outlets, help protect your home’s electrical circuits from ground faults caused by exposure to moisture.
- GFCI outlets are required in certain areas of the home, including the bathroom, kitchen, and outdoors.
- GFCI replacement may be required if you notice missing outlets, frequent trips, flickering lights, or if the outlet stops working completely.
- The Hoover team can quickly and safely replace and install GFCI outlets throughout your home.
Trusted GFCI/GFI Outlet Services from Hoover Electric
Do you need GFCI outlet installation? Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) are required by electrical code in many areas and are important for ensuring the safety of your home. Learn the function of these outlets, where they’re required, and why they matter. Explore the top signs it’s time to replace or install GFCI outlets, and why the electrical experts at Hoover Electric, Plumbing, Heating & Cooling are the best team for the job in the Troy, MI area.
What Is a GFCI/GFI Outlet and Why Does It Matter?
What are GFCI outlets, and why is GFCI/GFI outlet installation important in your Troy area home?
How GFCI outlets protect your home
Electricity and water don’t mix. A GFCI protects you from shock if an electrical device is exposed to water or there’s a current imbalance for any other reason. They functions like an ordinary receptacle by providing power to plugged-in devices. In addition, it constantly monitors the current flowing through it.
When there’s an imbalance in the current flowing from the hot slot to the neutral slot, the outlet will trip in a fraction of a second. Therefore, you won’t receive a shock if a device is exposed to water or if you touch an exposed wire.
Areas where GFCI outlets are required
At least one GFCI is required in the kitchen and bathroom, where the risk of contact between water and electricity is the highest (outdoor outlets must also have GFCI protection). The outlet provides the required protection in a bathroom, kitchen, garage, basement, or outdoor area, such as near a garden hose spigot or on a pool deck.
Signs It’s Time for GFCI/GFI Outlet Installation or Repair
How do you know when it’s time for a GFCI outlet repair or GFCI outlet replacement? Here are the top signs to look for in your home.
Missing GFCI outlets where required
The National Electrical Code (NEC) requires all bathroom and exterior receptacles to have GFCI protection. They’re also required for receptacles serving kitchen countertops and near all sinks, water heaters, and washing machines.
Outdated or non-functional units
Replace any receptacle that doesn’t reset after tripping, or the “Reset” button doesn’t pop out after pressing the “Test” button. Also, outlets that are very old or worn out likely require a new GFCI receptacle installation.
Frequent tripping
If the circuit keeps tripping, a wiring problem may be causing repeated electrical faults, the circuit may be overloaded, or the GFCI outlet may be faulty. Moisture in an outdoor receptacle box can also cause the circuit to trip. If you are noticing repeated tripping, schedule GFCI outlet installation near you as soon as possible.
Water exposure risks
If electrical devices are exposed to water and moisture, and you don’t see a GFI outlet nearby, call an electrician with experience in GFI receptacle services to install one as soon as possible.
Flickering lights or electrical inconsistencies
If the lights are flickering and there are fluctuations in electrical power, a GFI device may be aging or damaged. Call a GFCI outlet repair service to examine and replace it.
Our Professional GFCI/GFI Outlet Services
Installing a ground fault circuit interrupter ensures your safety and compliance with electrical codes in Southeast Michigan. Current leakage can cause an electrical shock and start a fire. Therefore, it’s essential to have an electrical technician assess where you need these outlets installed. The Hoover team will perform a thorough assessment and use high-quality materials and workmanship to provide you with lasting protection.
Complete electrical safety assessment
Our team will perform a thorough evaluation and assessment of your current electrical system, paying attention to any potential safety concerns and ensuring your setup can meet your daily needs.
Expert installation
If you need to book GFCI outlet replacement, you can count on our team to handle the installation quickly, safely, and with the utmost care.
GFCI repair and troubleshooting
Not all GFCI outlets require repair. Whenever possible, we’ll run diagnostics, perform troubleshooting, and provide repairs to keep your existing electrical components in the best possible condition.
Testing and verification
We never leave without testing our work. Our team will take the time to thoroughly test your outlets and verify the safety of your electrical system.
Why Choose Hoover Electric for Electrical Safety Upgrades?
Hoover has been serving Southeast Michigan since 1980. Our electricians are fully licensed and certified. With our level of expertise, we can manage projects of any size and address any issue. Our reputation for reliability and customer satisfaction proves it.
Affordability is also a reason to choose Hoover. We offer transparent pricing with no hidden charges, regularly provide special offers, and have financing plans to make larger electrical projects more accessible to homeowners who need them.
Service Areas – Troy and Surrounding Southeast Michigan
Proudly serving Troy and nearby communities, including:
- 48007
- 48083
- 48084
- 48085
- 48098
- 48099
- 48017
- 48021
- 48026
- 48066
The process involves working with wiring and other electrical components. Attempting a DIY installation or repair risks being shocked or burned; it also risks mistakes that can result in costly repairs or your GFCI not working correctly.
A GFCI outlet should last 15 to 25 years. The “Test and “Reset” buttons should be used regularly to determine if the outlet is working.
We recommend testing your GFCIs monthly. To test your outlet, push the “Test” button; the power on the circuit should turn off. If not, then your GFI is defective and must be replaced.
The NEC doesn’t require installing GFCI outlets in an older home unless you’re updating the wiring. However, it’s a good idea to install them for safety reasons.
GFI and GFCI refer to the same technology, which helps prevent electric shock and other issues in wet areas of the home. GFI is only used to describe outlets, while GFCI can also refer to outlets, breakers, and receptacles.
We strongly advise against attempting to replace a regular outlet with a GFCI outlet yourself. Attempting this project without the proper training, tools, and knowledge exposes you to serious safety risks. Leave this project to a trained professional.
Yes, a single GFCI outlet protects other outlets on the same circuit by covering them from ground faults caused by moisture exposure. Contact the professionals at Hoover to learn more.
Generally, you can expect a GFCI outlet to last for 15 to 25 years before it needs replacement. However, new electrical code requirements may mean you have to replace it sooner than that.
GFCI outlets are different from AFCI outlets. Both protect circuits, but while GFCIs protect them from ground faults and electric shock, AFCIs protect circuits from arcing faults and electrical fires.
Yes, GFCI outlets can be installed on any circuit. However, you generally only need to have them in areas where they may be exposed to moisture, such as the bathroom, kitchen, laundry room, or outdoors.
Schedule GFCI/GFI Outlet Service Today
Indoor and outdoor GFCI outlets prevent shocks, burns, and fires. Installing them where required meets a key NEC safety requirement, along with helping to protect your home and family from electrical hazards.
If your home does not have GFCI outlets installed or if one needs to be repaired, the skilled electricians at Hoover can help. We’re trained and equipped for high-quality installation or repair, ensuring your household is always protected. Submit a Service Request form or call (586) 315-5268 to schedule an appointment.
