Electricity makes life easier, but it can also be dangerous if it is not managed safely. That is where outlet safety technology comes in. GFCI and AFCI outlets are two small upgrades that make a big difference in protecting your home. They do not just deliver power. They help prevent shocks and electrical fires before they start.
At Campbell & Company, we install and service both types of outlets for homes in Yakima, the Tri-Cities, and across the Heart of Central Washington. Our licensed electricians can check your system, explain what you have, and make sure your outlets meet modern safety standards.
What Is a GFCI Outlet?
A Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter, or GFCI outlet, helps protect you from electric shock. It constantly watches the flow of electricity through a circuit. If it notices current moving somewhere it should not, such as through water or through a person, it shuts off power instantly.
You will find GFCI outlets anywhere water and electricity might meet. Kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, garages, and outdoor plugs are the most common spots. Around Yakima and the Tri-Cities, they are especially important because irrigation systems, humidity, and wet concrete floors can make electrical shock more likely.
If one of your GFCI outlets trips often, it might be doing exactly what it is supposed to do. But if it keeps happening, it could point to a loose wire or a failing appliance. Our electricians can test it, make repairs, or replace the outlet so your home stays safe and up to code.
What Is an AFCI Outlet?
An Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter, or AFCI outlet, helps prevent electrical fires. Instead of watching for shock hazards, it looks for sparks, the tiny arcs that happen when wiring is damaged, pinched, or coming loose behind the wall.
When an arc starts, it creates heat that can ignite insulation or nearby materials. An AFCI senses that arc and shuts the power off before heat builds up. You will usually see AFCI outlets in bedrooms, hallways, living rooms, or any place where cords are used often and moved around furniture.
Many homes in Yakima and the Tri-Cities were built before AFCIs were standard. Adding them now gives your home a layer of protection that older systems do not have. They work with your smoke alarms and breakers as part of a complete safety setup.
Key Differences Between GFCI and AFCI Outlets
Both GFCI and AFCI outlets make your home safer, but they protect against different kinds of problems.
- GFCIs protect against electrical shock by cutting power when current escapes the circuit
- AFCIs protect against electrical fires by detecting sparks or arcs and shutting power off before overheating starts
- GFCIs are installed where moisture is common, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor outlets
- AFCIs are installed in bedrooms, living spaces, and hallways where cords and outlets get more use
Some newer outlets combine both GFCI and AFCI protection in one device. Our electricians install these combo outlets in areas that need protection from both shock and fire to keep your home as safe as possible.
How to Know Which Outlets Your Yakima Home Needs
If your home is newer, it probably already has GFCI and AFCI protection in key areas. But older homes in Yakima and the Tri-Cities often still have standard outlets or wiring that does not meet today’s codes. That can leave you without protection in important places.
The easiest way to find out is with a home electrical inspection. A Campbell & Company electrician can test your outlets, check for GFCI and AFCI coverage, and explain what needs to be updated. Retrofitting older outlets is straightforward and does not require major rewiring. We replace the outlet, test the circuit, and label it so you know it is safe.
Updating these outlets is not just about passing inspection. It is about keeping your family protected from hidden hazards that older wiring can create.
How Do I Test if My GFCI or AFCI Outlet Is Working?
Testing safety outlets takes only a minute. On a GFCI outlet, press the “Test” button. Power should shut off to anything plugged in. Then press “Reset” to restore it. AFCI outlets work the same way. Press the test button and make sure power cuts off and then comes back on when you reset it. If the outlet does not trip or will not reset, it is time to replace it. If you are unsure, a Campbell electrician can test all your outlets during a routine electrical inspection.
Benefits of Professional Outlet Installation by Campbell & Company
When it comes to electrical safety, it pays to have the work done by professionals. GFCI and AFCI outlets only work if they are installed and wired correctly. Our licensed electricians understand local codes, know how to handle wiring safely, and make sure every outlet in your home provides the protection it is supposed to.
Campbell & Company has served Central and Eastern Washington for decades. From outlet upgrades to panel replacements, we have helped Yakima locals and Tri-Citians keep their homes safe and reliable. Our team handles electrical services, outlet installations, electrical repairs, and full system inspections to catch problems early. And when an emergency happens, our emergency electricians are available 24 hours a day to restore power safely.
GFCI and AFCI outlets are simple upgrades that can prevent life-threatening hazards. If you are not sure what kind of protection your home has, or if you want to bring your wiring up to modern safety standards, we can help.
Call Campbell & Company today to schedule a professional outlet installation or an electrical inspection in Yakima or the Tri-Cities.
