Where GFCI Outlets Are Required (and Why They Keep Tripping)

Required locations

Kitchens, bathrooms, laundry, garages, unfinished basements, crawlspaces, outdoors, boathouses and within six feet of any sink.

How GFCIs work

They sense a tiny imbalance between hot and neutral — as little as 5 milliamps — and cut power in milliseconds.

Why they trip

Moisture, worn appliances, a downstream fault or a failing GFCI. Repeated trips deserve a look from an electrician.

GFCI vs AFCI

AFCI protects against arcing (fire); GFCI protects against shock. Modern codes require both in many rooms.

Outlet & Switch Installation in your city

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