Did you know that about half of all houses in the United States do not have GFCIs installed? In fact, in about 43 million homes, there is a 53% greater chance that electrocution could happen, all because there is no proper protection from GFCIs. If your home was built before 1976, there’s a significant chance that you are not adequately protected with GFCIs, since it was only in 1975 that they began to be required (by the National Electric Code) for bathroom outlets.
If you’re not already aware, a GFCI is a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter. You’ve probably seen them before (see the attached image) and would recognize them by the “TEST” and “RESET” buttons that are typically found on the face of outlets on which they’re installed. If you don’t have GFCIs on outlets within 6 feet of water sources in your home, you should have them installed. If you do, be sure to test them from time to time to make sure they’re working properly.
