Skip to content

GFCI

What is a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)? 
Keep scrolling to find out!


Call us at 912-236-1730 to schedule your electrical service.

Licensed & Insured

Licensed in GA, SC, & FL. Rest easy knowing we are fully insured and well-trained.

Locally Owned

Locally owned & operated. Electricians serving Savannah & surrounding areas.

Since 1972

Serving Savannah, Georgia and the surrounding areas since 1972. Incorporated in 1975.

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter

“Ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) are the difference between life and death in certain circumstances…” Brady Oppenheim

Quick Facts On GFCIs

  • According to OSHA, GFCI is a fast acting circuit breaker designed to shut off electric power in the event of a ground fault. 
  • It was invented by Charles Dalziel in 1961 and patented in 1965.
  • GFCIs were required by code as early as 1971.
    • Eaton has made a brochure showing recent GFCI code revisions.  You can find it here
  • GFCI outlets are required in bathrooms, kitchens, outdoor spaces, in crawlspaces, basements, and boathouses.   
  • EFSi estimates that if GFCI protection was not required, there would be a 603% increase in electrocutions

Ground Fault FAQs

  • What is a ground fault? “A ground fault happens when power leaks off the hot to ground.” Melvin Joyner 
  • What causes a ground fault?  A few things can cause ground faults, including: loose connections, water contact, poorly insulated or damaged wiring. 

What Do I Need To Do With GFCI Outlets?

  1. Have an electrician make sure you have GFCI outlets where required. 
  2. Test your GFCI outlets once a month and after power failures.

How Do I Test GFCI Outlets?

If you don’t have the manufacturer’s instructions, CPSC.gov suggests to plug in a lamp into your GFCI outlet for testing. What is a GFCI

  1. Turn on the lamp.
  2. Press the TEST button.
    1. The lamp should have turned off. 
  3. Press RESET.
    1. The lamp should have come back on. 

If the lamp did not turn off during test and back on during reset, you need a licensed electrician to come inspect the GFCI or wiring.  

 

 

Above and Beyond

05/29/2025

David and Malachi came out to install a fan. After review David determined installing the Fan as initially discussed was not possible due to missing wire conduit/pipe in the walls. I asked if he could take a look and see if there was an alternative. after a quick review he found a perfect alternative and they got everything taken care of within the same time frame while carefully moving and replacing my furniture and TV that was in the way of the new solution. They very easily could have stuck with the initial assessment but worked to find a solution.

Avatar for Brian Kliebert
Brian Kliebert

Great customer service

05/20/2025

Andrew was very polite and friendly

Avatar for Johnette
Johnette

Full Service and Panel Upgrade

03/06/2025

Nothing but great things to say about Joyner. Matt and Dan did a spectacular job with a follow-on electrical service and panel upgrade after taking care of an issue back in June. Everything went off without a hitch. Good communication, a walk through of the new “stuff”, permits, Georgia Power coordination, etc. Hope you know what gems Matt and Dan are. Hard to find great people like them.

Avatar for Richard Curtiss
Richard Curtiss

Why Choose Joyner Electric and Security

Our purpose is to empower customers to keep them out of the dark by delivering expert electrical service.  We are professional, work efficiently, are committed to our work, we do the right thing, and think positively. 

  1. We guarantee our work. 
  2. We are the experts. 
  3. We communicate with our customers.  
 
Still not sure?  Read our reviews on google
What is a GFCI