ELECTRICAL INFORMATION

During a recent inspection, I identified two outlets—one in the kitchen and one in the laundry room—that were not GFCI‑protected. While the outlets appeared functional, their locations near sinks and moisture sources revealed an important electrical safety concern. In homes of any age, but especially older properties, it’s common to find standard outlets still in use in areas where modern safety standards now require GFCI protection to reduce the risk of electrical shock. Why GFCI Protection Matters 🔌 GFCI protection in moisture‑prone areas is more than a code requirement. It helps prevent:

• Electrical shock from appliances used near water

• Faults caused by damaged cords or aging wiring

• Increased risk in rooms with sinks, humidity, or wet surfaces

• Shock hazards for occupants who may not realize the danger of unprotected outlets

Left unaddressed, missing GFCI protection can expose homeowners to preventable electrical hazards. In this case, I recommended upgrading the kitchen and laundry room outlets to GFCI‑protected receptacles to improve safety and bring the home closer to modern electrical standards.

🚪 What Homeowners Should Know If you notice outlets near sinks, laundry equipment, or exterior areas that do not have “Test” and “Reset” buttons—or do not trip when tested—your home may lack proper GFCI protection. These devices are designed to shut off power within milliseconds during a ground fault, making them one of the simplest and most effective safety upgrades available.

📞 Protect Your Home. Electrical safety issues don’t resolve themselves. If you’ve noticed unprotected outlets in kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, garages, or exterior areas, schedule a professional inspection. Identifying and correcting missing GFCI protection early can significantly reduce shock hazards and help keep your home safe and compliant.