The Dark Side of GFCI- Ground Fault Circuit Interupters No one wants to talk about . They are a Fire Hazard when a Serious Power Surge hits a residence

 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..

The above GFCI the home had a G&E Whole House protector and still you can see damage when suppressor failed