2024 AFCI and GFCI Performance Survey
In 2024, the Electrical Safety Foundation surveyed occupations with electrical contracting, electrical design, electrical engineering, and electrical planning to gain an understanding of the performance of safety devices required in the National Electrical Code. The survey was conducted in California with a focus on Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs) and Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs). Key Findings: […]
2023 AFCI and GFCI Performance Survey
In 2023, the Electrical Safety Foundation surveyed electrical contractor with experience in electrical contracting, design, engineering, and planning to gain an understanding of the performance of safety devices required in the National Electrical Code (NEC). This survey was conducted in Colorado, Georgia, Kentucky, Minnesota, Ohio, Texas, and Washington with a focus on Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupters […]
Understand Your Breaker Box – Video Short
Your breaker box, or electrical panel, protects you against electrical shocks and fires. They trip when the electrical current exceeds safe levels. This helps protect your home against overloaded circuits. AFCIs should be installed in a breaker to detect wiring faults which protects against electrical fires. Installing a GFCI will protect against electrical shock in […]
What is a GFCI – Video Short
A ground fault circuit interrupter is a safety device that helps protect you against electric shock. You’ll find GFCIs in bathrooms, kitchens, garages, and outdoor outlets; really anywhere that outlets can be exposed to water. They’re installed either as an outlet or as a circuit breaker in your electrical panel. And remember to test your […]
How to Test a GFCI – Video Short
Water and electricity do not mix. Ground-fault circuit interrupters are safety devices that are installed where water and electricity are in close proximity, such as bathrooms, kitchens, garages, and outdoors. To ensure a GFCI is working properly, it should be tested. To test, plug in a device and turn it on, press the test button […]
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI) and the National Electrical Code (NEC) – Code Book
Download the GFCI Code Book The lifesaving capabilities of ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) cannot be overstated. These devices have saved thousands of lives and significantly reduced the number of home electrocutions since they were first required in the bathrooms of homes by the National Electrical Code (NEC) in 1975. Since then, the number of […]
ESFI Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) and Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) Performance Survey
In May 2022, the Electrical Safety Foundation International surveyed homeowners, and electrical contractors to assess the performance of AFCI and GFCI devices in homes in Massachusetts. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts immediately adopted the 2020 National Electrical Code ® on January 1, 2020 with AFCI requirements for the entire home. Electrical Contractors ESFI surveyed 100 electrical […]
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters: What if GFCIs Did Not Exist?
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI) were first introduced in the bathrooms of homes as required by the 1975 edition of the National Electrical Code. Prior to 1975, only outdoor receptacles and receptacles near swimming pools require GFCI protection. Since then, GFCI requirements grew as in-home electricity use and the amount of potential contact with water […]
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters: Preventing Electrocution Since 1973
Year Estimated Number of GFCI Protected Homes Total Electrocutions Consumer Products Electrocution 1968 – 1,048 481 1969 – 1,148 495 1970 – 1,140 565 1971 – 1,065 531 1972 – 1,088 484 1973 – 1,149 585 1974 – 1,157 521 1975 12,993,400 1,224 562 1976 14,370,600 1,041 433 1977 16,027,700 1,183 510 1978 17,895,200 984 […]
Home Safety Devices – Renovate Your Home to Code
The National Electrical Code is revised every three years and outlines the minimum requirements for safe electrical installation. Many older homes may not have an adequate electrical system to meet the electrical demands of today. If you’re renovating your home, make sure to have the following electrical safety devices installed to maintain an electrically safe […]
Electrical Safety Public Service Announcement
Is your home up to the latest National Electrical Code? The National Electrical Code is designed to keep your home and your loved ones safe, but is only enforced with new construction. As a homeowner, it is your responsibility to ensure that your property is up to code. You can accomplish this by having your […]
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters – Your Protection from Electrocution
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters have saved thousands of lives since their introduction in to the National Electrical Code in the 1970s. Make sure your home is properly protected against ground faults with the correct installation of GFCIs. The Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that 50% of home electrocutions have been prevented by the introduction of […]
