AFCI & GFCI Outlets in South Bend, IN

Surge Protector & AFCI & GFCI Services in the South Bend Area

In your home, for example, there are guidelines for the specific placements of Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI) and Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCI) as set by the National Electric Code (NEC). These NEC standards are not just advice; they are absolutely necessary to help protect your property from an electrical emergency.

Due to the life-saving potential of GFCIs and AFCIs, the NEC has expanded its code over time to include the majority of circuits in the home. At McCormick Electrical Services Inc., we can assist with any of your AFCIs, GFCIs, and surge protectors in South Bend.

Need help with installation, repairs, or maintenance for your AFCIs, GFCIs, and surge protectors in South Bend? For a satisfaction guaranteed service, give me a call at (574) 830-8118 or contact me online.

What Are Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs)?

GFCIs are the most classic type of electrical circuit protector out there.

They are very common and are now built into the plugs of:

• Space heaters
• Hairdryers
• Power tools
• And most all high-load electrical appliances

In fact, the NEC requires this. If you have never heard of a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter before, it is simpler than it sounds.

A GFCI is a safety device that automatically monitors the flow of electricity. When electrical appliances are working as they should, the electricity will flow from what is called “hot” to “neutral.” If there is ever a disruption or imbalance in this flow, the GFCI will trip or interrupt (get it?) the circuit and cut off the electricity. As a result, this helps prevent the potential for a dangerous, or even deadly, electrical shock.

When we install or upgrade GFCI outlets in your South Bend home, we focus on areas required by code such as kitchens, bathrooms, garages, unfinished basements, and outdoor receptacles that are exposed to our freeze–thaw cycles and lake-effect moisture. Proper placement and GFCI outlet wiring South Bend homeowners can rely on are essential to keeping your family safe while still giving you convenient access to power where you need it most.

What Can You Do for At-Home Prevention?

Test your GFCI outlets (or breakers) monthly. When you press the “test” button on your device, power should shut off and the “reset” button should activate (pop out) with a noticeable click.

When you hear this click, you will get the peace of mind of knowing everything is working properly. Just press the “reset” button again to restore power. No click? It is time for a GFCI replacement—ASAP! All GFCI replacements and repairs should be performed by a qualified electrician.

What Are Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs)?

An arc-fault circuit interrupter, more commonly known as an AFCI, is a type of circuit breaker that breaks the circuit when it detects electric arcs that indicate loose connections in the wiring. These loose connections can sometimes become hot enough to ignite house fires and often form slowly over time.

AFCI vs GFCI

AFCIs are similar to GFCIs in that they are a safety device necessary for electrical protection in your home. The main difference between AFCI & GFCI is that GFCIs help protect against electrocution while AFCIs help protect against electrical fires.

Just as the GFCI automatically monitors electrical flow, an AFCI watches out for the circuit, making sure there is no large power spike caused by electrical arcs. They are so effective at this that they can differentiate between different types of arcs, both harmless and consequential. If a potentially dangerous arc is detected, in just a fraction of a second, the AFCI will disconnect the circuit and protect your electrical system.