The Importance of GFI Receptacles in Your Home:
The GFI (ground fault interrupter) is designed to guard people and pets from severe and sometimes fatal electrical shock. A GFI detects grounds faults and interrupts the flow of electric current.
Picture a hair dryer (blow dryer) that is acccidentally knocked into a bathtub filled with water. The GFI will stop the flow of elecricity when the hair dryer hits the surface fo the water. If someone was in the bathtub, a GFI will prevent electrocution or serious injury.
GFI Receptacles should be installed throughout the house in places like kitchens, bathroom, garages, outdoors, unfinished spaces, near sinks, and other locations where damp conditions do or could exist.