These days, we rely on electricity for just about everything. We need it in our homes, in our cars, and in almost every other device we use daily. At this point, our survival would seem very unlikely without it. In fact, electricity is so common that many people actually don’t understand how dangerous it can be. Apart from electrical fires, the biggest risk our electrical systems pose is electrical shocks, particularly in areas with lots of water, like bathrooms, laundry rooms, kitchens, and outdoor areas.  These shocks can cause serious injury or even death. This is why a GFCI receptacle and GFCI breaker are so important. Our experts at Dockside Power Inc. are here to inform you exactly what the difference is between the two. You can trust us, Hollywood. 

 

So What Is The Difference?

Both GFCI breakers and GFCI receptacles are life-saving improvements that have helped to decrease the number of electrocutions caused by consumer products every year. GFCIs automatically turn off the power when they sense imbalances between the incoming and outgoing electrical currents, whereas a standard circuit will only shut off the power when the electrical current gets too high.

  • A GFCI breaker is built directly into the electrical panel, and it protects all of the receptacles on that circuit. With a GFCI breaker, every power outlet that is connected to the breaker’s line will have complete GFCI protection.
  • GFCI receptacles are a part of an individual power outlet. These are the power outlets with the test and reset buttons on them, and anything that is plugged into an outlet with a GFCI receptacle will automatically shut off if an imbalance is detected in the current. Some GFCI receptacles offer multi-location protection by protecting the individual outlet, plus any outlets that are downstream from it on the same circuit.

 

When Do You Install A GFCI Receptacle Versus a GFCI Breaker?

Both GFCI breakers and receptacles can increase safety in your home and reduce the risk of electrical shocks, but there are pros and cons to each, and determining which option is right for you will depend on your individual circumstances.

When to Install a GFCI Breaker:

  • When the majority or all of the outlets on the circuit require GFCI protection
  • When outlets that require GFCI protection don’t have the space for the bigger GFCI receptacles
  • For specialty uses, like for heated swimming pools
  • For those who prefer to protect the entire circuit rather than individual outlets

 

When to Install  GFCI Receptacles:

  • When a single circuit powers some outlets that require GFCI protection and some that don’t
  • When you need GFCI outlets but don’t want the added expense of installing a GFCI breaker
  • When the individual receptacle that needs GFCI protection is located far away from the breaker box

 

Call Us Today

Are you still confused about what a GFCI receptacle does? No worries! Dockside Power, Inc. is here to assist! Call or visit us today online for more information. We offer all the best marine products including a GFCI breaker. We are the best in Hollywood!

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