GFCI stands for Ground Fault Circuit Interrupt. This largely means nothing to the normal person. Those outlets in your kitchen or bathroom with the push buttons are GFCI outlets. There are also versions of breakers that are GFCI breakers. So what does a GFCI outlet or breaker do?

A GFCI outlet or breaker is constantly measuring the level of current coming into the outlet (hot side) versus going out of the outlet (neutral side). If there is an imbalance between the two, the outlet or breaker assumes you are being electrocuted and it cuts power to the outlet or breaker.

GFCI outlets or breakers are required where ever you might come into contact with water or soil. GFCI protection is required in the following locations:

Outdoors: All outlets outside must be GFCI protected. Additionally, a weather resistant cover should protect all exterior outlets.

Kitchen: Any outlet servicing a countertop, island, or peninsula must be GFCI protected.

Bathroom: Any outlet whatsoever located in a bathroom must be GFCI protected.

Laundry: Originally, only laundry areas with sinks needed GFCI, now all outlets in the laundry should be GFCI protected.

Garage: All outlets in the garage should be GFCI protected except for dedicated outlets like for the garage door opener.

Note: Different municipal areas might have different requirements for GFCI protection.