Shocking Revelations: Why Your Edmonton Home Inspector is Obsessed with GFCIs

Hello, Edmonton! Ever wonder why your friendly neighbourhood home inspector is so tingly when talking about Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs)? Nope, it's not because they've been licking electrical outlets. Please don't do that. It's just that these little devices are unsung heroes of home safety. Well, let's dive into the electrifying world of GFCIs, shall we?

What's the Big Deal with GFCIs?

Okay, let me paint this picture for you: You're blow-drying your hair in a puddle of water, because, well, multitasking is life, am I right? But then your hairdryer becomes possessed and decides to use you as a human lightning rod. In comes your GFCI with the power zap before you can even get that bad hair day phrase in.

Less dramatically, GFCIs sense when electricity is taking an unintended path-like through you-and turn the power off in virtually a split second. It's a bit like having a small, super-fast superhero watching out for your outlets!

The Evolution of GFCIs: A Shocking History

GFCI has come a long way! Here's a trip down memory lane to see how these lifesavers have changed in the Great White North:

Year	Canadian Electrical Code Update
1975	GFCIs required for outdoor receptacles
1982	GFCIs required in bathrooms
1987	GFCIs required in garages
1991	GFCIs required in kitchens within 1.5m of sinks
2002	GFCIs required in unfinished basements
2015	GFCIs are required for all outdoor receptacles within 2.5m of grade

The National Electrical Code (NEC) is used by the United States and has similar but not exact requirements as the Canadian Electrical Code (CEC). Here is a link to the NEC detailed change history.

GFCI_requirement_page-2014.pdf

Download PDF • 418KB

As you can probably tell, our electrical code has been on a mission to make our homes safer than a bubble-wrapped teddy bear!

Where Should GFCIs Be Installed?

According to the latest Canadian Electrical Code (Rule 26-710(n), for you electrical nerds out there), GFCIs should be installed in the following areas:

1. Outdoors (within 2.5m of finished grade)

2. Bathrooms

3. Kitchens (within 1.5m of sinks)

4. Laundry rooms

5. Garages

6. Unfinished basements

7. Near pools and hot tubs (because electrified hot tubs are NOT a spa treatment)

   
   

Pro Tip: Your Edmonton home inspector recommends GFCI protection for any receptacle within 6 feet (1.8m) of a plumbing fixture. Better safe than sorry, folks!

For a more serious read on the subject of GFCI protection, see this in-depth guide from the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI): GFCI Protection Guide.

The GFCI Installation Dilemma: DIY or Call a Pro?

Now, you may get to thinking, "Man, I've watched enough YouTube tutorials to wire my whole house blindfolded!" But before you go all DIY superhero on your electrical system, remember: electricity bites. Hard.

Although replacing a standard receptacle with a GFCI one may seem pretty simple, it is always best to consult with a licensed electrician. They know all the tricks of the trade and will have your home up to code in less time than it takes to say "Edmonton home inspection."

Speaking of which, did you know that proper home inspection in Edmonton can find possible electrical hazards before they become shocking problems? See what I did there?

Conclusion

Ready to make your home Fort Knox safe, but with a little better decor? Give Brookstone Inspection Services Ltd. a call at 587-333-5530 or book online today for an in-depth home inspection throughout Edmonton, where our expert team will make sure to search high and low-including that GFCI protection to bring peace of mind and keep those hair-drying adventures shock-free!