Hey friends, [JOE AGENT] here with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices PenFed Realty Texas. Whenever I walk through a home with a prospective client, I always make a note of the outlets in their kitchen and bathrooms. I'm not doing any secret reconnaissance work, I'm just making a note in my head. It's important to know what type of outlets are in your bathrooms and kitchens because the National Electrical Code mandates that these outlets be what's called a GFCI. Let's break that down so you know what you may need to upgrade in your home to bring it up to that code.
Firstly, what is a GFCI outlet? In technical terms, a GFCI outlet is a ground-fault circuit interrupter and is required in bathrooms, garages, crawl spaces, basements, laundry rooms, and areas where a water source is present. Deep down, a GFCI is just a safer outlet.
GFCI outlets have interior circuitry that monitors electrical input. When something seems fishy, most likely a ground fault, the GFCI will shut itself off automatically. This ground fault may occur due to a damaged electrical cord, operating in too damp of an environment, or even a wiring malfunction in the hair dryer, drill, or another tool that is plugged in.
You'll most likely recognize these outlets in bathrooms. If you look at the outlets in your bathroom, you will see a button to reset the outlet. After a GFCI is tripped, it will have to be reset by pressing a button on the outlet itself. This is like flipping a breaker in your house, albeit on a much smaller scale. Advancements like this in the electrical industry have kept all Americans safer than before, and that's why they're required in all new homes.
However, if your home does not have them and you're looking to sell, you are not required to upgrade to them. They will be mentioned on the inspection report, but as long as you know that they will appear, it should not phase you. The National Electrical Code is updated every 3 years, so there's a good chance there are no GFCI outlets exactly where they are now mandated.
If you're a buyer, this is certainly something you should discuss with your real estate agent. Though the homeowner is not legally required to update them, that is something that can be added to the contract.
And if you are going to talk with a real estate agent about GFCI outlets, make sure you talk with me! Give me a call at XXX-XXX-XXXX, and let's discuss the importance of a GFCI outlet, your obligations as a seller and what it means for you!
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