What should not be plugged into a GFCI outlet?

When it comes to electrical safety, GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) outlets play an important role. Essentially, GFCI outlets are designed to detect and prevent electrical shock in the event of a ground fault, which occurs when the electricity travels through the ground rather than through the intended path (such as a power cord or electrical appliance).

While GFCI outlets are an important safety feature in many homes and commercial buildings, there are certain appliances and equipment that should not be plugged into them. Here are a few examples:

1. Refrigerators and freezers: While it may seem counterintuitive to not use a GFCI outlet for appliances that require electricity to keep food cold and fresh, it's important to note that these items can often trip a GFCI circuit. This is because refrigerators and freezers typically use a motor that can create a "false" ground fault, triggering the GFCI outlet and causing it to trip. For this reason, it's typically recommended that refrigerators and freezers be plugged into a standard (non-GFCI) outlet.

2. Sump pumps: Similar to refrigerators and freezers, sump pumps are often prone to tripping GFCI outlets due to their motors and the way they operate. Because sump pumps are often used in areas where water is present (such as basements or crawl spaces), it's important to ensure that they are plugged into a non-GFCI outlet to prevent any potential hazards.

3. Microwaves: While it may be tempting to plug your microwave into a nearby GFCI outlet, it's generally not recommended to do so. This is because microwaves can often draw a large amount of power, which can potentially cause the GFCI outlet to trip. Additionally, microwaves can emit electromagnetic interference (EMI), which can interfere with the GFCI's operation.

4. Power tools: While some power tools can be safely used with GFCI outlets, others (particularly those with motors or that use a lot of power) can cause the GFCI to trip. To be safe, it's generally recommended that power tools be used with a non-GFCI outlet.

5. Surge protectors: While it may seem like a good idea to plug your surge protector into a GFCI outlet for added protection, it's actually not recommended. This is because surge protectors can sometimes trip GFCI outlets, which can be frustrating and potentially dangerous. Instead, it's recommended to plug surge protectors into standard (non-GFCI) outlets.

Ultimately, while GFCI outlets serve an important safety function, it's important to be aware of what appliances and equipment should not be plugged into them. By following these guidelines, you can help ensure that your home or workplace remains safe and protected from electrical hazards.