GFCI outlets have been around since the late 70's and have been ever increasing in use because they help protect individuals from Electric shock. But they have a down side no one wants to talk about .
When an extreme power surge caused by Lightning or downed power lines hits a home the GFCI outlets can burn and explode .
I do work for an Insurance Provider as a Forensic Electrical Inspector and go to many power surges
to evaluate damage to Electrical Services , Appliances and home Electronics and I am seeing more and more dangerous GFCI blow outs which almost caused a home fire
Take a good look at this GFCI which was on a kitchen counter
behind a toaster oven which had a Dish Towel sitting on top when the surge hit the outlet it blew out flame and Singed the Dish Towel .
The home owner is very lucky they did not loose their home.
Now even just plain duplex outlets can blow out during a surge but not as violent as when GFCI and AFCI Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters or combo GFCI /AFCI Outlets blow out .
Now GFCI and AFCI do have some built in surge protection it is not enough .
I have advocated for years that whole house surge and lightning arrestor's be installed because they can either eliminate a surge or greatly reduce the damage done by a serious surge .
They are now required on all new Electric services but like all products they will only work when properly installed and service is properly grounded and maintained .
Once again where is the worthless UL and NFPA when there is a serious issue that needs discussed ?
Just like every time they come up with a new code they never look at the possible downside to it..
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