GFCI Standards Updated for 2006

By Frank G. Ross

Standards for GFCI performance were first updated by Underwriter’s Laboratories back in 2002; the changes went into effect January 1, 2003.  Another revision this year went into effect July 28, 2006.  The press release announcing the changes includes the following statement that highlights the importance of this subject:  “Before the introduction of GFCIs, more than 700 people died from household electrocutions each year.  As of 2001, that number had been reduced to 400 cases annually.  A 2001 field study from UL and the National Electrical Manufacturers Association, however, determined that a small but significant percent of GFCIs, particularly older ones, did not work after several years.  This created a demand for more stringent safety features that can alert users when a GFCI malfunctions.”

The new GFCI’s are able to handle higher current surges, give greater immunity to moist conditions, and will trip due to a reversed miswire.  Additionally, the unit will not become a fire or shock hazard during extreme over voltage conditions, and it will operate properly after exposure to conducted radio frequencies. Now all of this information may not be of much value to homeowners but the bottom line is when you replace or upgrade a GFCI receptacle be sure you are getting the newest version. You can identify upgraded ones by the little padlock symbol in one corner of the face of the GFCI receptacle.

When I inspect homes I always check for the presence of GFCI protection. The locations they should be found are any place where there is a chance of moisture or water or wetness coming in contact with the receptacle: such as around sinks, wash tubs, hot tubs, jet tubs, bathrooms, kitchens, garages, crawlspaces, exterior receptacles, water features, 110V outdoor lighting, etc.

In homes built when GFCI was not required I include notes in my report of places where GFCIs should be added to increase personal safety from possible electrical shock, injury or even death. I have been asked time and time again, “Was GFCI protection code when this house was built?”  I interpret this question to mean that the person asking is basically stating, “If this was not code when the house was built then I don’t need to worry about adding GFCI.” I reply to their question this way. “I don’t know what the code was back then but we are smarter now and upgrading to GFCI protection is well worth the money. It is a lot cheaper to upgrade to GFCI protection than to pay for medical or funeral costs.”

As with any electrical devices, use common sense and if you doubt your own ability to properly upgrade or replace GFCI’s then hire a licensed electrician to do the work. Remember, the life you save may be your own.