As a Raleigh Home Inspection firm, a common defect that we observe during the performance of a Home Inspection is defective GFCI devices. GFCI is short for Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter. What we often find is that they are simply not properly functional or that they have been physically damaged in some way.

A GFCI device is typically a receptacle mounted in a wall box…or a breaker mounted in a primary distribution sub-panel or at a main service panel…and both have integral test and re-set buttons.

GFCI Receptacle - Installed

GFCI devices help protect people in the event that people, water, and electricity might happen to get together for a party all at the same time….not really an ideal combination. They function as safety devices by sensing an increase in the flow of electric current as little as 5 milliamps (five one thousandth of an Amp)…and shutting off the power at that location or at all locations downstream of the device. To provide an example for reference, as little as 1 amp can be fatal depending on voltage and other conditions. You can think of the device as “shutting off” the power if it senses a “leak” of electricity…what we refer to as a ground fault.

GFCI Breaker - Installed In A Distribuiton Panel

Basically, the devices operate by comparing the amount of electricity going in on the black, or “hot” wire….and comparing that to the amount of electricity is leaving on the white…or “neutral” wire. If there is any significant difference, then the electricity is “leaking” somewhere. If the leak is the result of electricity coursing through your body…then the GFCI device may not have prevented you from being shocked but it likely prevented you from being electrocuted. Electricity is like allot of people….it will follow the path of least resistance…so if you come in contact with any of that “leaky” electricity and provide less resistance than the wires do….then it would rather follow your path than the intended path along the wiring. Put another way…the person may be a better route to ground for the electricity because they are less insulated.

In most areas, GFCI protection is required, generally, for bathroom outlets, for exterior outlets, at kitchen area outlets, and for whirlpool tub motor circuits. Other required locations might be at outlets near swimming pools. Very generally speaking, GFCI protection has been required for exterior receptacles since 1973, for bathroom receptacle since 1975, for garage receptacles since 1978, and at some kitchen receptacles since 1987.

We often get asked during a Home Inspection “Well you just told me that this receptacle is GFCI protected…but there isn’t any test button at that receptacle…Why is that?” And a good question it is. There are various methodologies and configurations to provide the intended protection…we could install a GFCI receptacle at every location where protection is required…but that wouldn’t be economically practical. Or we can install one GFCI receptacle to protect an entire circuit or series of receptacles. Or we could install a GFCI breaker at an electrical panel to provide the desired protection for an entire circuit. Whether GFCI receptacle or GFCI breakers are installed, it is recommended that the devices be manually tested every 30 days or so to ensure that they are properly responsive; this is accomplished by depressing the integral test button and then either re-setting the receptacle or returning the breaker to its “On” position.

Another question that is often posed by our Home Inspection clients is “Can I install GFCI’s in an older house?”. Usually, with regards to this discussion, an older home would be one that was initially wired using 2-conductor wiring…and where there is no third “ground” wire. The simple answer is yes you can although it likely will not be quite as safe or effective as a device installed on a 3-conductor circuit where there is a direct path to ground through the electrical panel. It is probably safe to say that a 2-conductor circuit protected by a GFCI device is likely more safe than one without any such protection.

If you have GFCI devices installed in your home, then go test them to make sure they working properly. If none are installed, then consider having them installed by a licensed electrician to enhance the safety of your home.

This informative article touches on just some of the potential issues and makes suggestions as to how a home can be be made more safe for our aging loved ones.

(ARA) – Most of us start life depending on our parents to take care of us. But as they age, chances are the roles will reverse. And, whether you provide additional help in their own homes – or move aging parents into your home – how do you prepare to meet the new needs of aging adults?

Luckily many simple, quick, affordable – and even stylish and savvy – updates can make homes safer and more enjoyable for you, your family and your parents.

De-clutter
Both kids and older adults have reduced reflexes and balance. Spruce up the look of your home – and avoid tripping hazards – by removing clutter and items you no longer use (especially obstacles in walkways).

Safe, spaaahh shower
Showers can be an enjoyable and luxurious part of anyone’s day – if they are safe. While you probably don’t want to renovate the shower, simple additions of bath safety products can make it safer and more enjoyable. Start by adding rubber grips to the bottom of the shower to avoid slick surfaces. Next, take a seat with a comfortable shower chair and enjoy a shower massage with a multi-function hand held showerhead. Products like the Home Care by Moen shower chair and Hand Held Shower with Innovative Palm Feature are ideal choices at affordable prices to add safety, style and spa enjoyment to the shower.

Save resources, save money
Eco-friendly adjustments not only can make you feel good about preserving natural resources for your family, they can also help lower energy costs (ideal for tight budgets). Simple steps can include replacing standard light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs, insulating doors and windows and swapping faucets and showerheads with new water-saving WaterSense-labeled models.

Handy handles
In the course of a day, you grip many objects – from cups and pens, to door knobs and faucet handles. Swapping out door knobs or faucets with knobs for lever-handle models can make these everyday tasks a bit easier – especially for smaller or arthritic hands.

Get a grip
For any age, stairs are a falling hazard in homes – whether it’s one step or 20. To increase safety, add hand rails or decorative hand grips in high-traffic doorways where there may be a step, such as the garage or front entry. Home Care by Moen offers attractive-looking 9-inch grips that install easily and blend in with your decor.

Let there be light
Did you also know that by age 60 the average person requires 15 times more lighting than when they were 10 years old? Brighten up the home with additional reading lamps in bedrooms and family rooms, under-cabinet task lighting in the kitchen, motion-sensor lights near entrances and nightlights in hallways.

Safe and secure
Your home is your safe haven … so make sure it is protected. In the bathroom where slick surfaces can be falling hazards, add functional – yet fashionable – grab bars from Home Care by Moen. And, in case of unforeseen falls or other home accidents, home security systems can give you peace of mind to know that fire-, medical- or emergency-response is available for you and your loved ones at the touch of a button.

Flat flooring
According to the Home Safety Council, falls are the leading cause (66 percent) of all nonfatal home injuries. To help you – or your loved ones – avoid becoming a statistic, remove throw rugs or ensure that they have a non-slip backing to provide more firm footing.

Low-maintenance lawns
With busy lifestyles, it’s tough to keep up landscaping. Making a few modifications to the yard can help ease the burden. Replace large grassy areas that require frequent mowing with rock gardens or mulch beds. Additionally, choose drought-resistant perennial plants and shrubs to save time and money on watering – and ensure you don’t have to plant new each spring.

Be prepared
Are the washer and dryer in the basement? Are the bedroom and bathroom upstairs? Since stairs can be difficult to navigate for children or aging parents, having all the necessities on one floor is ideal. While it may not be in the budget to move everything to the main floor now, gradually start getting ready by wiring a closet or small room for the laundry – or planning to expand a half bath to a full bath.

With a few minor updates, you can breathe easier knowing your home is safer for your loved ones – both young and old. For more information on safety products from Home Care by Moen, visit www.moen.com/homecare.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

The Raleigh Home Inspector wants everyone to be as safe as possible……the health and well-being of our loved ones depends on it!