What Does a GFI Do? - Electrical Problems

In your bathroom you should have a GFI electricalelectrical panel you can use 12 gauge electrical
outlet. Most new homes or newly remodeledwires for a 20 amp GFI. This is a general rule of
homes require you to have GFI electrical outletsthumb for most electrical house wiring.
in the kitchen. Most older kitchens do not haveIf you're going to be using a 15 amp GFI and you
GFI electrical outlets. GFI stands for ground faultare going to be less than 80 feet away from the
circuit interrupter.electrical panel you can use 14 gauge electrical
Why not call it a GFCI instead of a GFI electricalwires. Again this is just a general rule of thumb
outlet? Well it is called a GFCI in some instances.for most electrical house wiring.
GFI is short and is the most common name usedA GFI is a light duty electrical plug used in
by most electricians and builders for this type ofbathrooms, kitchens and the exterior of your
outlet.house. The sole purpose of the GFI is to shut the
GFI 's come in 15 amp and 20 amperage outlets.breaker off faster if there is any moisture or light
GFI outlets must be wired properly. Make sureload problems.
you're using the proper wire size when hooking upLet's say for instance you have your hair dryer
the GFI outlet.plugged into the GFI outlet. The hair dryer
How do I know which size wire to use? This allsomehow falls into the sink while it is on or
depends on how far away you are running itplugged in. The GFI outlet will instantly shut off
from the electrical panel. There are charts youbecause of the sensitivity of the breaker inside of
can use to figure this out. If you are not runningthe plug it self.
the electrical wire more than 80 feet from the