disconnected specific devices to cut down on your energy expenses. However, have you ever thought about those peculiar outlets featuring black and red buttons? Recognized as Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI), these outlets made their debut in the early 1970s. They are mandated in new building projects to safeguard homeowners and have contributed to an 81% decline in household electrocutions since their inception. These outlets are engineered to avert electrocution by deactivating when a ground fault is sensed.
You will find GFCI outlets in damp environments as the National Electrical Code (NEC) initially required them to be installed within six feet of any water source. New regulations from the NEC, implemented in 2023, now state that all kitchen outlets must be GFCI, which has led to some confusion, even among experts. While these outlets play a crucial role in residential settings, they are not always the most suitable option for powering specific appliances like refrigerators and microwaves.
