GFCI Protection Explained: The #1 Safety Upgrade You Need This Summer

Summer brings projects, fun, and a constant need for outdoor power. Whether you're running tools on a job site, plugging in a mini fridge by the patio, or hooking up your RV at the campground, having access to safe and reliable power can make or break your plans. However, the more you rely on outdoor power receptacles, the more you should think about how weather and exposure to water could impact your safety.

Luckily, using Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) protection is a quick and easy way to keep you safe in areas where electricity and water may encounter each other. These devices quickly cut off electricity when they detect a fault to help prevent shocks, fires, or even life-threatening injuries.

So, how does GFCI work, and where can you find protected devices? Well, our team of experts is here to break down everything you need to know about GFCI. We’ll spend this article exploring why you need GFCI protection, explaining how it works, and sharing our top GFCI-protected picks to keep you safe and powered all summer long!

Why GFCI Protection is This Summer’s Safety Essential

Have you ever plugged something into an outdoor power outlet and found yourself checking the sky for rainclouds? Since we all know that water and electricity don’t mix, it’s a natural reaction. Luckily, that’s exactly why GFCI protection exists. GFCI technology constantly monitors the flow of electricity, and if it detects electricity straying from its intended path, it breaks the circuit to keep you and your downstream devices safe.

You can think of GFCI as your electrical setup’s security system. That is, it works by comparing the electricity flowing out from the hot, through the appliance, and back into the neutral. If it senses an imbalance greater than or equal to 5 milliamps, it shuts off power in as little as 1/10 of a second to keep you safe. Since our muscles lock up when exposed to 10 milliamps of electricity, GFCI does an excellent job stopping electrical faults before they can become a bigger problem.

With this in mind, it’s easy to see why the National Electrical Code (NEC) requires GFCI protection to be placed in locations such as patios, garages, and pool areas where water and electricity might come into contact with each other. Whether you’re plugging into an outlet, RV panel, or power distribution box, choosing a GFCI-protected device is a simple and effective step towards keeping you out of harm’s way.

Essential GFCI-Protected Products for Summer Safety

Now that we’ve covered the basics of GFCI, where can you find GFCI equipment? Well, we have you covered! While installing GFCI-protected receptacles and using GFCI extension cords are a great place to start, we offer a variety of specialty GFCI-protected equipment to effortlessly keep you safe and sound:

RV Power Outlets: If you’re an RV park owner, you know that keeping your guests safe is a top priority. If you’re looking for safe and code-compliant power, our 30A, 50A, and 80A RV Power Outlets are available with GFCI to provide your visitors with protection right where they need it.

By keeping your visitors and their RV safe from power surges and short circuits, our panels are a quick and easy upgrade to help you get ready for your busy season. Our RV Panels boast a weatherproof NEMA 3R enclosure to withstand summer storms, rain, and debris, making it an ideal all-in-one outdoor power solution.

Beetle Box Green: Whether you’re hosting your neighborhood cookout or need some extra reach to power tools at your jobsite, having access to an extra six 20A duplex receptacles sounds pretty nice, right? Well, our Beetle Box Green offers all of that good stuff and the ability to link up to three boxes by using our 50A Locking Cables so that you can enjoy safe and reliable power wherever you need it.

To top it off, this power distribution box features NEMA 3R covers that protect the receptacles when not in use, along with a durable rubber housing to outlast other Spider Boxes on the market. Plus, it stacks neatly to save space while stored in your tool shed or garage.

Quad Stringers: Our 50 Ft Wetguard Quad Stringer is another great option for providing you with extra GFCI receptacles where you need them most. This heavy-duty Quad Stringer includes a total of six 5-20R receptacles, and three of them are protected by integrated GFCI protection. This gives you the reach and safety you need to power your summer activities.

It’s rated to handle up to 50 amps and 600 volts of electricity and is fitted with 20A, NEMA L21-20 twist-lock connectors for simple and slip-proof connections. From powering lights at your jobsite to equipment at an upcoming event, this handy extension cord is a must-have to streamline your power setup without compromising safety.

Summer storms can be unpredictable, but electrical safety doesn’t have to be. We’re here to help keep your plans on track and your power uninterrupted. Our GFCI products are designed to meet the needs of electricians, contractors, RV owners, and homeowners. From GFCI receptacles to our RV Power Outlets, we have everything you need to stay powered and protected all season long!

Ready to weatherproof your electrical system? Connect with us by calling (317)-721-4702 or emailing info@bigelectricsupply.com today!