What Exactly Is A Gfci Outlet? 5 Common Household Devices You Shouldn't Plug Into One

While GFCI outlets connection reliable protection compared pinch modular outlets, they aren't meant for each type of electrical device. Some items should ne'er beryllium plugged into a GFCI, arsenic they could malfunction aliases travel nan circuit unnecessarily, starring to powerfulness disruptions aliases unsafe situations. Below is simply a database of devices not suited for GFCIs.

1. Devices pinch a "high inrush" current

Appliances like refrigerators, freezers, air conditioner units, and power tools require a superior first burst of energy erstwhile powered on. Yes, moreover though refrigerators are almost ever located successful kitchens, nan counterintuitive truth is that they tin origin nan GFCI to travel because of nan ample first surge of current, moreover if location is nary existent fault. This is known arsenic "nuisance tripping," and it is aptly named. Don't consequence spoiling a fridge afloat of foods by plugging it into a GFCI.

2. Outdoor equipment

Similarly, outdoor instrumentality specified as electric lawnmowers or pressure washers should ideally beryllium plugged into a dedicated outdoor outlet. While GFCIs are designed for outdoor usage to trim daze hazards, high-powered instrumentality tin origin nan GFCI to travel if it draws excessively overmuch existent astatine 1 time. 

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3. High-powered appliances

Appliances that usage important power, specified as space heaters, microwave ovens, or vacuum cleaners, tin origin a GFCI outlet to trip, particularly if they are utilized connected a circuit pinch precocious loads. These appliances could create a business wherever nan GFCI trips often (more nuisance tripping).

4. Surge protectors aliases powerfulness strips

Some power strips and surge protectors, peculiarly those pinch aggregate plugs for high-powered devices, could origin nan GFCI outlet to travel owed to nan mixed electrical load. A abrupt powerfulness surge aliases imbalance could origin nan GFCI to travel unexpectedly, defeating nan GFCI outlet's intent and causing repeated circuit tripping.

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5. Medical equipment

Medical instrumentality like CPAP machines and oxygen concentrators require continuous, uninterrupted power, truthful we counsel plugging these captious devices into accepted outlets, not GFCIs. Some aesculapian devices person delicate circuitry, and nan GFCI whitethorn travel unnecessarily, causing a nonaccomplishment of powerfulness to life-sustaining equipment.

Bonus. Sump pumps

While the National Electrical Code (NEC) specifically mandates that caller building includes GFCIs successful basements, location is different ironic removal among nan list: sump pumps. Sump pumps are designed to forestall flooding, but if nan GFCI trips and cuts disconnected its power, your basement mightiness extremity up nether respective inches of water.