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GFCI Protection: What it is and how to maintain it

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) devices, are required in specific areas of our homes. We must all have GFCI protection in our kitchens, bathrooms, unfinished basements, outside our homes as well as our garages. GFCI devices monitor the electricity between the ungrounded (hot) and grounded (neutral) conductors. If there is an improper imbalance between the two conductors the GFCI will stop the power from exiting the receptacle, which prevents people from receiving an electrical shock.

GFCI protection comes in several different forms. The most noticeable would be in the form of a receptacle. The second form of GFCI protection that is common in homes is GFCI breakers. Both of these devices protect people from receiving an electrical shock. The receptacle is located in the outlet where we plug devices in. The breaker is located in the electrical panel.

GFCI devices need to be properly maintained. It is suggested by manufactures to test the GFCI device on a monthly basis. The way you test the devices is as follows:

  • On the receptacle, there is a test button, press the button. After you pressed the button try to plug something into the receptacle, the item you plugged in should not work. Now, press the reset button and plug the same item in. You should have restored the power.
  • On the breaker, press the test button located on the breaker. The breaker should now be turned off. To restore power to the breaker make sure the breaker is in the off position and push to the on position, this will restore power to the circuit.

Please make sure if you have GFCI protection in all the areas of your home listed above and make sure you test the devices on a monthly basis to ensure the devices are working correctly to protect you and your family...and as always, please feel free to call or email us with any questions or concerns.

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Monday, August 9, 2021

Whether the issue is large or small, problems with electricity are often ignored until they become apparent.  It's easy to avoid thinking about problems that can occur in our appliances, circuit breakers, wall outlets, and even light bulbs. But often, ignoring issues while they are small leads to more significant problems and the necessity for the help of an electrician.

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About John's Electric

Linn Park Fountain, Birmingham, AL

John's Electric Inc. is a family owned and operated electrical contractor business that proudly provides electrician services in Birmingham, AL and the surrounding areas such as Hoover, Homewood, Chelsea, Vestavia Hills, Pelham, Alabaster, Trussville, and Mountain Brook. John's Electric provides residential and commercial electrical solutions at competitive rates. We have been in this line of work for 30 years, giving us not only experience but expertise as well. You can depend on us. We are a state licensed electrician (#03875) for your protection.

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What others say about John's Electric Service

Aubrey was very helpful, explaining things as he went and making sure that everything worked good before he left.

Lisa H.

HomeAdvisor

Aubrey did an excellent job with moving our electrical main service. He coordinated with Alabama Power and the Hoover inspectors and everyone was there when they should be. He knew that we needed a special disconnect and ordered the right one. We gave him a key and trusted him to be in and out of the house and yard when he needed to. He kept us informed, did a quality job and went over and above to come out to check on things for us after hours one evening and teach us a few things. Reasonable price as well. A true professional and I will recommend him again.

tiffdunlap

Yellow Pages

Solved a problem thus restoring my power to some areas of my house

Had a number of outlets not working and lost AC in 97 degree weather--he came twice the 1st time approx 1hr 20 minutes--wasn't able to locate problem---this I put on myself as I was unaware of putting a breaker box behind a vanity that hadn't been move since purchase of my house. Second visit after some search found problem 1hr

OK the skinny--I think he was professional--on time

Was upfront on costs

Problem once the second box was located was an easy fix so thought a touch high on price--that said it was upfront and had I had the answer to location as I should have I think the billing would be much lower so will put this on myself. In other words I don't think he would have ripped me off

Bonus was after having 4 others trying to blame AC and being told I needed a new one---he said everything in my problems was electrical--and viewing my AC said it was fine--no need of new unit--for the moment if right saving me $$$$

Angie's List Member

Angie's List

John's electric is an extremely good company. I would this company to anyone I know. He is very professional and goes the extra mile for his customer. Five stars in my book.

elisha

Yellow Pages