Do I Need GFCI Outlets In My Bathroom?

Since 1975, GFCI outlets (or ground fault circuit interrupters) have been required throughout home bathrooms in the United States. GFCIs are a type of circuit breaker used to shut off power when there is an imbalance between the incoming and outgoing current The main purpose of GFCI outlets is to prevent the risk of electrical shock from happening. 

Barely noticeable in the bathroom, a GFCI outlet can prevent shocks and electrocution.

When it comes to remodeling or installing a new bathroom, you may wonder what you need to know about GFCI outlets or if your older home bathroom should have GFCI outlets. This blog is here to help you answer the question: Do I need GFCI outlets in my bathroom? And how many you need. 

Electricity and water don’t mix

Water and electricity are a recipe for disaster. Codes mandate strict guidelines for GFCI outlets throughout the United States. According to the National Electric Code (NEC), it requires a minimum of one GFCI-protected outlet per bathroom. The national recommendation is more than one, like two or three. You get to decide how many outlets you want to protect but have to have a minimum of one in your bathroom. 

Keep in mind that if you’re using a single GFCI, it needs to be wired to protect all other downstream outlets within the same circuit. This is called multi-location protection. DIY electrical upgrades are not recommended due to potential harm and safety risk, so contact a licensed electrician to see what will work best for you.

Check your local GFCI codes

Your local building department should have the codes local to your area. Check with them to see if the NEC regulations differ within your town. 

Older homes need electrical upgrades

Any home built before 1975, upgrading the receptacle or outlet is suggested if your home electrical is or has gone through modifications. Back in the day, there were no specific requirements for GFCI outlets, so taking action sooner than later can ensure the safety of your home and potential shock. 

GFCI outlets are required in more areas of the home

Not just your bathroom needs to have a GFCI outlet, anywhere that electrical power and water or moisture may be present, you should upgrade your outlets to GFCI outlets. Other areas of the home include: kitchens and wet bars, storage areas and crawl spaces, outdoors, swimming pools and hot tubs, and even your garage fridge or freezer should have upgraded outlets to protect from the potentiality of shock. 

GFCI receptacles that don’t work properly are a safety hazard to your home. GFCIs that are working and well-placed prevent injury within your home. If you have any questions regarding your GFCIs or home outlet wiring and setup, please do not hesitate to give us a call. 

When you need a licensed electrician for commercial or residential electrical needs, call Zimmerman Electric at 310-378-1323.