Keep Your 4th of July Festivities Safe and Fun with GFCIs

How GFCIs Protect Your Home and Family So You Can Focus On Having Fun!

In the heat of summer, there’s nothing better than taking a dip in a cool, refreshing swimming pool. But that’s not to discount the barbecues, the backyard parties, and lounging on the patio as the cooler evenings roll in. And amid all the summertime revelry, the only thing that matters is that all of it is done safely. That’s where GFCIs come in.

GFCIs (ground fault circuit interrupters) prevent electrocution by cutting off the flow of electricity when a circuit experiences a ground fault - an instance where some of the electric current jumps outside the circuit to another conductive material, such as water. In fact, moisture is a big cause of ground faults, so GFCIs are so important in outdoor environments - particularly in and around the pool.

Pool Pumps

Every swimming pool needs a pump to help keep the water fresh, circulate necessary chemicals, and help clean the pool. To accomplish this, pool pumps utilize powerful motors which require a hefty electrical current to operate. And since the pump handles so much water and is close to the pool itself, a ground fault event could be catastrophic.

For this reason, all pool pump motors are required to be on GFCI-protected circuits, whether they are corded plug-in models or permanent hard-wired models. In the former case, the pump would need to be plugged into a GFCI receptacle - the familiar wall outlet with the “test” and “reset” buttons on it. In the latter case, the GFCI device would be in the form of a circuit breaker switch in the main power box.

Underwater Lights and Poolside Lighting

All light fixtures within a certain distance from the pool are also required by the National Electrical Code to be protected by GFCI devices. This includes underwater lights in the pool and any lamp posts, floodlights, or spotlights around the pool. It’s imperative that any string lights or other plug-in lighting around the pool are plugged into a GFCI outlet. 

If an unprotected light fixture of any kind comes in contact with the pool or even any water around the pool, the results can be deadly. GFCIs can prevent such horrific scenarios because they shut off the flow of electricity within one-tenth of a second of detecting an anomalous fluctuation of current, even as small as 5 milliAmps.

Outdoor Ceiling Fans and Exterior Outlets

Other outdoor fixtures that require GFCI protection include ceiling fans, outlets, and appliances. Protection for outdoor ceiling fans is especially important if the fans or their drawstrings can be touched by a person standing on the ground or if they’re within 5 feet of a hot tub or pool. Modern codes require that all exterior outlets be GFCI-protected to ensure the safe operation of power tools, electric grills, portable fans or lights, or any other corded appliance.

However, it’s important to remember that GFCI devices wear out over time and can stop working properly for several reasons. Homeowners should have them inspected and tested by a professional electrician at least once a year to ensure safety and peace of mind, not just this summer but all year long.

About Albritton Service Co

Since 1982, the family-owned Albritton Service Co has handled the HVAC and electrical needs of the Ruston, Louisiana community. Their courteous licensed and insured technicians are available 24/7 in case of emergencies. Albritton guarantees 100% satisfaction with every job, big or small. Call now for electrical service!

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