Testimonials
"Stand up professionals."
Stand up professionals. Job was performed in a professional manner with educated electricians. Happy with the overall service. Honest, integral people, working to grow their local business. Keep up the great work George!
"Without a doubt the best!"
Doc Watts is without a doubt the best electric company in Central Florida. In a professional capacity, I have worked with them to complete electrical installations that range from simple breaker and receptacle replacements to full buildouts of industrial space and a generator as large as 625KWh. George and his crew are flexible, capable, and professional. Don't go here if you are looking for cheap and sloppy labor.
"Their customer service was awesome."
I would have to start by saying how good they treated me! Their customer service was awesome; something you rarely get in Florida. When the guy was done he cleaned up really good, he didn’t leave a mess; I was very appreciative of that! The moment I was even more impressed is when I saw the work he had done. Everything so well measured and placed! So they not only treat you good but also take pride in what they do! From now on these guys are my eletricians!!
"I can wholeheartedly recommend them!"
The team was A+ from the sales process to the final installation/handoff. Professional, efficient, always on time, always responsive, always do what they said they'll do.
This was a fairly major job, and after completion I can wholeheartedly recommend them.
Residential Service
GFCI Outlet Installation
There can be many shocking realizations when owning a home, business, or a commercial building. Don’t let GFCI be one of them! Learn more about when, why, and how you should repair open ground outlets and install a GFCI.
Safety is our number one priority when it comes to a living space or a business! Because GFCI installations and repairs both involve working with electricity and wiring, it’s important to enlist the help of someone who knows what they’re doing.
We keep your family safe from electrical shocks and your home up to code. Doc Watts Electric has been serving the Central Florida area since 2005, and our team of experienced electricians is ready to make sure your house is fully GFCI protected.
What is a GFCI Outlet?
A GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlet is designed to protect against electric shock. You can usually find them installed in areas where electrical appliances could come in contact with water, like kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms.
A GFCI outlet monitors the flow of electricity in the circuit. It will quickly shut off the power if it detects irregularities in the current, like if it were to flow through a person's body. These outlets help prevent serious electrical shocks and injuries, and you want them present in your home or business.
GFCI Installation Services
If your open ground outlet doesn’t currently have grounding, you will want to repair it by installing GFCI protection immediately. Depending on the wiring of your home, this process can be done a few different ways, but an electrician will typically undergo the same general steps:
- Locate and turn off the power.
- Remove the old outlet.
- Install the GFCI outlet.
- Test the new outlet.
If any outlets in your home aren’t protected by GFCI, we’re ready and waiting to help!
GFCI Repair Services
If you already have GFCI protection but it doesn’t seem to be working, the outlet may be:
- Tripped.
- Have a poor electrical connection.
- Be defective.
- Have moisture in or near the outlet.
As with all electrical work, we recommend calling our team to inspect, diagnose, and repair your GFCI outlets.
Risks of an Open Ground Outlet
An open ground outlet is a receptacle that is not connected to a grounding conductor. While it may still function, open ground outlets or GFCI outlets without grounding have an increased risk of electrical shock, sparks, or electrical charges that can ignite nearby objects like curtains, carpet, and furniture.
Prior to 1962 and the institution of electrical coding, many homes were built with receptacles that had no grounding protection. Now that’s something to be shocked about!
Benefits of a GFCI
A ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) is able to sense the difference in electricity levels and provide a low-resistance path for dangerous fault currents to return to the main panel. It will then trip the breaker and disable the fault.
While you could install a three-prong outlet without GFCI protection, using a direct GFCI outlet is perhaps the safest and most reliable option for fixing an ungrounded outlet. The use of a GFCI that is properly grounded not only protects your equipment, but also prevents electrocution.
How to Determine if You Have a GFCI Outlet
A GFCI outlet is pretty easy to recognize, with a “test” or “reset” button on the face plate that is usually red or white. Three-prong outlets with GFCI protection will usually be labeled. If you aren’t sure, call in a experienced electrician to make sure your home or building is properly protected.
GFCI Dwelling Requirements
The National Electrical Code requires GFCI protection be present in the following spaces in residential homes:
- Bathrooms.
- Garages.
- Outdoor outlets.
- Crawl spaces at or below grade level where heating, AC, and refrigeration equipment is installed.
- Basements.
- Sinks.
- Showers or baths.
- Kitchen countertops.
- Laundry areas.
GFCI Non Dwelling Requirements
The National Electrical Code requires GFCI protection be present in the following spaces in non-residential properties:
- Bathrooms.
- Rooftops.
- Kitchen.
- Outdoor outlets.
- Indoor wet spaces.
- Sinks.
- Locker rooms.
- Crawl spaces.
- Garages.
Call Doc Watts Electric for all Your GFCI Installation and Open Ground Outlet Repairs
If you need open ground outlet repair, or GFCI outlet wiring or installation assistance, contact us today for a free quote. Our team of electrical pros will ensure your request is treated with the best care and expert knowledge. We look forward to helping you, and remember...call the Doc when you have NO watts!
