Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets are life-saving devices that prevent electrical shock by cutting power in as little as 1/40th of a second when they detect current leakage. Unity Power & Light installs and replaces GFCI outlets throughout Aiken, SC to protect your family and meet electrical code requirements in wet and damp locations.
GFCI protection is required by the National Electrical Code in areas where water and electricity may come into contact. Whether you're updating an older home to meet current codes or replacing a failed GFCI outlet, our licensed electricians provide professional installation with proper testing and code compliance.
Where GFCI Outlets Are Required
The National Electrical Code requires GFCI protection in locations where water and electricity may come into contact. These requirements apply to both new construction and when replacing outlets in existing homes.
Kitchens
All receptacles within 6 feet of a sink must be GFCI-protected. This includes countertop outlets and any receptacles serving kitchen appliances near water sources.
All Bathrooms
Every outlet in a bathroom requires GFCI protection, regardless of distance from sink or tub. This includes outlets for hair dryers, electric shavers, and other personal care devices.
Garages
All 125-volt, 15- and 20-ampere receptacles in garages must have GFCI protection. This protects you when using power tools and other equipment in areas with concrete floors.
Outdoor Outlets
All outdoor receptacles require GFCI protection. This includes outlets for landscape lighting, pool equipment, holiday decorations, and power tools used in your yard.
Unfinished Basements
Receptacles in unfinished basements must be GFCI-protected due to the presence of moisture and concrete floors. Finished basements follow standard residential outlet requirements.
Crawl Spaces
Any receptacles installed in crawl spaces require GFCI protection because of high humidity and proximity to earth. This includes outlets for sump pumps and dehumidifiers.
Laundry Areas
Receptacles within 6 feet of sinks in laundry rooms must be GFCI-protected. The washer itself typically does not require GFCI protection unless within 6 feet of a sink.
Pools, Hot Tubs & Spas
All receptacles within 20 feet of a pool, hot tub, or spa require GFCI protection. This critical safety requirement prevents electrocution around water recreation areas.
GFCI Outlet vs GFCI Breaker
GFCI protection can be provided either at the outlet (receptacle) or at the circuit breaker in your electrical panel. Each approach has advantages depending on your situation.
GFCI Outlets (Most Common)
Best for: Protecting specific locations like bathroom, kitchen, and outdoor outlets.
Advantages:
- Easy to identify which outlet tripped
- Simple to reset at the outlet location
- Can protect downstream outlets on same circuit
- More affordable than GFCI breakers
- No need to access electrical panel when testing
When to use: Individual wet locations, when only a few outlets need protection, or when you want convenient reset access.
GFCI Circuit Breakers
Best for: Protecting entire circuits or hard-to-reach outlets.
Advantages:
- Protects entire circuit from the panel
- Cleaner look (no GFCI outlets visible)
- Ideal for circuits with many required GFCI locations
- Good for outdoor lighting circuits
- Centralized protection at the panel
When to use: When protecting multiple outlets on one circuit, for outdoor lighting circuits, or when aesthetics require standard-looking outlets throughout.
Our recommendation: For most homeowners, GFCI outlets are the better choice because they're easier to reset and identify problems. We recommend GFCI breakers primarily for outdoor lighting circuits or situations where multiple outlets on one circuit all require GFCI protection.
Can GFCI Outlets Protect Ungrounded (2-Prong) Circuits?
Yes - GFCI outlets can be installed on ungrounded circuits and still provide shock protection, even though the circuit lacks a ground wire. This is an important exception in the National Electrical Code that allows you to upgrade 2-prong outlets in older homes.
Many Aiken homes built before the 1960s have ungrounded electrical systems with 2-prong outlets. While these don't meet modern code for new construction, GFCI outlets offer a safe upgrade path without rewiring your entire home.
How It Works
GFCI outlets detect current imbalances between the hot and neutral wires. They don't require a ground wire to detect these imbalances and trip to prevent shock. However, the outlet must be labeled "No Equipment Ground" to indicate the circuit lacks a ground wire.
What We Do
Important: While GFCI outlets provide shock protection on ungrounded circuits, they do not provide surge protection or equipment grounding. For full protection, we can run new grounded circuits to locations where you need modern electrical service.
Signs Your GFCI Outlet Needs Replacement
GFCI outlets don't last forever. The sensitive electronics that detect current leakage can wear out over time. Here are signs your GFCI outlet should be replaced:
Won't Trip When Tested
Press the "Test" button monthly. If the outlet doesn't trip and cut power, the GFCI protection has failed and the outlet must be replaced immediately. A non-functioning GFCI offers no shock protection.
Won't Reset After Tripping
If your GFCI trips and the "Reset" button won't stay pushed in or immediately pops back out, the internal mechanism has failed. This indicates the outlet has reached the end of its service life.
Trips Constantly
A GFCI that trips repeatedly without obvious cause may be failing. While this could indicate a wiring problem, older GFCI outlets can become oversensitive and trip unnecessarily, requiring replacement.
Feels Warm to Touch
GFCI outlets should not feel warm. Heat indicates internal electrical resistance or component failure. A warm GFCI outlet is a safety hazard and should be replaced immediately.
Older Than 10-15 Years
GFCI outlets have a limited lifespan. Manufacturers recommend replacement every 10-15 years even if the outlet appears to function normally. The internal components degrade over time and may not provide reliable protection.
Visible Damage or Cracks
Cracked housings, burn marks, discoloration, or any visible damage means immediate replacement is needed. These signs indicate the outlet has been subjected to electrical stress or physical damage.
Safety tip: Test all GFCI outlets monthly by pressing the "Test" button. The outlet should immediately cut power. Press "Reset" to restore power. If this test fails, call Unity Power & Light to replace the outlet.
Our GFCI Outlet Installation Services
Unity Power & Light provides complete GFCI outlet installation and replacement services throughout Aiken, SC. Our licensed electricians ensure your home meets electrical code requirements and your family stays protected from shock hazards.
GFCI Outlet Installation Cost
Unity Power & Light provides flat-rate pricing for GFCI outlet installation. You'll know the exact cost before we begin work - no hourly rates or surprise charges.
GFCI Outlet Installation
Typical cost: $100-$200 per outlet
Includes:
- Professional-grade GFCI outlet
- Complete installation and wiring
- Testing to verify proper operation
- Required labeling if ungrounded circuit
- Code-compliant installation
Cost varies based on location accessibility, wiring condition, and whether circuit is grounded.
GFCI Circuit Breaker
Typical cost: $150-$250 per breaker
Includes:
- GFCI circuit breaker appropriate for panel
- Installation in electrical panel
- Testing and verification
- Panel labeling update
- Protection for entire circuit
GFCI breakers cost more than outlets but protect an entire circuit from one location.
What Affects Cost?
- Location accessibility: Easy-access outlets cost less than those requiring furniture moving or difficult access
- Wiring condition: Older wiring may require additional work to ensure safe installation
- Outdoor vs indoor: Outdoor installations require weather-resistant GFCI outlets
- Number of outlets: We offer discounts when installing multiple GFCI outlets in one visit
- Ungrounded circuits: Installing GFCI on ungrounded circuits requires specific procedures and labeling
Get an exact quote: Contact us for a flat-rate quote specific to your installation. We'll explain exactly what's included and what the total cost will be before starting work.
Learn More About GFCI Outlets
Want to understand more about how GFCI outlets work, why they're required, and how to maintain them? Read our detailed blog post:
GFCI Outlets Explained: Everything Aiken Homeowners Need to Know
Need GFCI Outlets Installed?
Protect your family from electrical shock with professional GFCI outlet installation. Serving Aiken, North Augusta, Graniteville, New Ellenton, and surrounding areas. Licensed, insured, and code-compliant installations.