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This is a GFCI outlet.  A GFCI outlet, also referred to as a GFI, stands for Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter.  This is a special type of outlet that is designed to protect us from receiving an electric shock.  Using only mechanical parts, a GFCI outlet can detect a safety issue and cut power to the outlet within 20–30 milliseconds, saving lives and preventing damage to your home.
How a GFCI outlet is different from a standard outlet
A standard AC wall outlet simply connects your electrical device directly to your home electrical panel via a copper wiring in what is called an electrical circuit. Â The only safety measure in place in this circuit is your fuse or circuit breaker. Â These are designed to 'trip' if more power is drawn than the circuit can handle. Â This is usually 15 to 20 amps. Â Some outlets may have a ground connection wiring in place which allows excess current to flow safely to ground, but this was not a standard building code until the 1970s.
A GFCI outlet adds an extra layer of safety and protection to that electrical circuit. Â Internally, a GFCI outlet features mechanical components that can detect unwanted changes in the flow of electricity and shut OFF power to the outlet. Â GFCI outlets are, by code, to be installed in areas where they might be exposed to moisture and debris such as kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoors.
How a GFCI outlet operates
In normal operation, a GFCI outlet expects to see the same amount of power flowing in from the electrical panel as it flows back out to the electrical panel.  If something such as a faulty electrical device is plugged into the outlet, debris and liquid enters the outlet or someone places a metal item into the outlet, the current flow returning to the breaker panel will drop.  This causes a mechanism inside the GFCI outlet to trigger and cut power to the outlet.  This usually happens within 20–30 milliseconds, which is fast enough to save you from a nasty shock.
Once triggered, the GFCI outlet will no longer provide power through its outlets. Â GFCI outlets feature a Test and Reset button. Â When the outlet is triggered the Reset button will need to be pressed in, which re-engages the safety mechanism inside the outlet and allows power to flow once again. Â The Test button on the outlet allows you to manually trigger the outlet to ensure it is functioning properly.
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- GFCI outlets detect power imbalances and cut power.
- A fuse/circuit breaker detects a high power draw and cuts power.
In short, a fuse/circuit breaker in your electrical panel will stop a device from drawing too much power and starting a fire while a GFCI outlet will stop you from getting shocked.
Why GFCI outlets are important for safety
Imagine you are outside after a bit of rain. Â You do not realize that the extension cord you are using is slightly frayed, with some of the wiring exposed and touching your skin. Â You plug the extension cord into your GFCI outlet and hear a 'click', but nothing else happens. Â That GFCI outlet just saved you from a nasty shock.
GFCI outlets are designed to stop the power flow as soon as they sense a power issue, allowing you time to rectify it rather than potentially creating a safety hazard. Â As part of the US building code when it comes to electrical outlets that will be used in areas where they are exposed to moisture and debris, a GFCI outlet is required. Â
In your living room, an electrical outlet might be exposed to a bit of dust, but usually just falls to the floor.  Electrical outlets in kitchens, bathrooms or outdoors are constantly being exposed to grease, moisture, and wind-blown dirt and debris.  If any of these items enter an outlet, it can cause electrical safety issues. That is why here at Belkin, when using a Belkin product that is designed for outdoor use, we recommend only connecting to a GFCI outlet for you and your family’s safety.
