If your home doesn't have GFCI outlets, you need to invest in those right away. In addition to the GFCI outlets, you need to also ensure that the appliances you use, especially small appliances and extension cords, come equipped with in-line GFCI switches. Those in-line GFCI switches provide an added layer of protection against electrical hazards. Here are four ways those switches can protect you and your home.

It Will Stop You From Electrical Shock

Water and electricity do not match. Unfortunately, many household appliances are located in the vicinity of water. This is particularly true when it comes to your washing machine and all the small appliances that are used in the bathroom and kitchen. If you have GFCI outlets installed in your home, or GFCI switches on your small appliances, power will be shut off to that area as soon as moisture is detected. That will stop you from receiving an electrical shock or worse.

It Will Prevent Electrical Fires

In addition to detecting the presence of moisture, your GFCI outlets and switches will also detect changes in the ground fault. Without this protection, those ground fault changes could lead to electrical fires. However, when GFCI switches and outlets are in place, changes in ground fault will cause electrical power to be cut to that area, giving you time to contact your electrician.

It Will Protect Your Appliances from Damage

You might not realize this, but power surges can destroy your appliances, especially the small ones. Unfortunately, power surges can occur when appliances come in contact with moisture or when there's a disruption in the ground fault. If you've installed GFCI outlets in your home, and your small appliances are equipped with in-line GFCI switches, you won't need to deal with damage. That's because power will be cut before your appliances can suffer electrical damage.

It Will Help You Protect Your Residential Wiring

Replacing the wiring in your home can be a costly venture. Unfortunately, power surges and electrical fires can destroy the wiring in your home. However, investing in GFCI outlets, and ensuring that your appliances are all equipped with in-line GFCI switches, will help protect your residential wiring.

Don't take chances with your family or your home. If you don't have adequate GFCI protection in your home, now's the time to take care of that. Have GFCI outlets installed in your home, and invest in extension cords and small appliances that are equipped with inline GFCI switches.

For more information, talk to companies like Bausum & Duckett Electric Company Inc.