DIY Builds
Photo by ANGELOXWU Pexels Logo Photo: ANGELOXWU

Do outlets in a shed need to be GFCI?

Where Should GFCI Outlets Be Installed? Bathrooms – All bathroom receptacles should have GFCI outlets installed. Garages & Sheds – Any area inside or outside of the house that is not considered a "habitable" room should include GFCI outlets. This includes garages, sheds, and any other work/storage areas.

Do you need permission to tarmac a driveway?
Do you need permission to tarmac a driveway?

This depends on the type of tarmac you use. Most tarmac is permeable or semi-permeable so check which type you will be using. If it is permeable...

Read More »
Does adding Portland cement to quikrete make it stronger?
Does adding Portland cement to quikrete make it stronger?

To answer your question, yes adding some portland cement will add a bit of strength, up to a point, then other additives are needed to get super...

Read More »
Can I build my own shed?
Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »

When plumbing fixtures or appliances are located close to outlets, danger can follow if water gets into them or the electrical devices plugged into them. Luckily, there’s an easy way to prevent this shocking scenario – installing GFCI outlets throughout your home.

What is a GFCI Outlet?

A ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) is a special type of outlet that detects imbalances in the electrical current and shuts off power to that outlet to prevent damage and diminish the risk of shock. GFCI outlets are ideally used to prevent electrical shock and damage when water comes in contact with the outlet – it’s basically shock insurance!. A ground fault is a conducting connection between a conductor of electricity and any material that is grounded or may become grounded. Basically electricity always wants to find a path to the ground and through a ground fault it finds the way to the ground through something it shouldn’t. As in a person. If water gets into a plugged in device or splashes against the outlet, the GFCI will quickly shut off that outlet, stopping the ground fault and preventing an electrical shock. Once it’s safe to turn the outlet back on you can simply press the reset button.

Where Should GFCI Outlets Be Installed?

Bathrooms – All bathroom receptacles should have GFCI outlets installed.

All bathroom receptacles should have GFCI outlets installed. Garages & Sheds – Any area inside or outside of the house that is not considered a "habitable" room should include GFCI outlets. This includes garages, sheds, and any other work/storage areas. Any area inside or outside of the house that is not considered a "habitable" room should include GFCI outlets. This includes garages, sheds, and any other work/storage areas. Basements – All unfinished basements and crawl spaces should include GFCI outlets as these are high-moisture areas. However, even if your basement is finished, it doesn’t hurt to install these outlets just to be safe. This is especially true if you live in a flood zone or do not have a sump pump installed. All unfinished basements and crawl spaces should include GFCI outlets as these are high-moisture areas. However, even if your basement is finished, it doesn’t hurt to install these outlets just to be safe. This is especially true if you live in a flood zone or do not have a sump pump installed. Kitchens – All receptacles located near major appliances and the sink should be of the GFCI variety. As a rule of thumb, any outlet within six feet of the sink should be a GFCI outlet.

How close can a shed be to a boundary?
How close can a shed be to a boundary?

But generally, you need to maintain at least 5 feet between the further edge of your shed and the fence. Sep 1, 2021

Read More »
Can wood stop a bullet?
Can wood stop a bullet?

Some varieties of wood, such as oak and maple, are renowned for their strength. But scientists say a simple and inexpensive new process can...

Read More »
Can I build my own shed?
Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »

All receptacles located near major appliances and the sink should be of the GFCI variety. As a rule of thumb, any outlet within six feet of the sink should be a GFCI outlet. Laundry Rooms – Do you have a utility sink located in your laundry room? Any outlets within six feet of this sink (and the dedicated washing machine outlet) should be equipped with GFCI outlets. Do you have a utility sink located in your laundry room? Any outlets within six feet of this sink (and the dedicated washing machine outlet) should be equipped with GFCI outlets. Outside – All outlets installed outside of your home should be GFCI outlets. This includes outlets used for exterior lighting or those located near any pool or hot tub areas. GFCI outlets are something that should be installed in multiple areas of your home for your own protection. When you need GFCI outlets installed or replaced, contact the electricians at Lancaster Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, give us a call at 717-207-8198.

Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+!

Can you pour a slab with bagged concrete?
Can you pour a slab with bagged concrete?

Fortunately, whether you plan to make a patio slab or a driveway, working in small areas divided by concrete forms and using bagged concrete mix...

Read More »
Can you pour your own cement driveway?
Can you pour your own cement driveway?

You can build an attractive concrete driveway yourself, but careful planning and preparation is necessary. Be sure to place all the concrete at...

Read More »
Can I build my own shed?
Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »
What value does a garage add to your home?
What value does a garage add to your home?

Recent research has indicated a garage can add on average 5% to a house value. Nov 2, 2021

Read More »
Are shed plans easy to follow?
Are shed plans easy to follow?

These are! They guide you every step of the way to complete your dream shed.

Learn More »
Is it cheaper to build a shed or buy prefab?
Is it cheaper to build a shed or buy prefab?

If you've been wondering is it cheaper to build your own shed, you'll discover that yes, it is less expensive to build your own shed than to...

Read More »