Why GFCI Protection in Garages and Utility Rooms Isn’t Optional Anymore

Electrical safety doesn’t stop at your kitchen and bathroom. Garages, laundry rooms, basements, and utility areas are often overlooked — but they’re some of the highest-risk areas in the home when it comes to shock hazards. That’s why GFCI protection is now required by code in all of these spaces.

🔌 What is a GFCI Outlet?

A GFCI — or Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter — is a special type of outlet designed to shut off electricity in a fraction of a second if it detects a ground fault (a current leaking to the ground). It helps prevent shocks, burns, and even fires — especially in damp or unfinished areas.

You can easily identify one by looking for “Test” and “Reset” buttons on the face of the outlet. If you don’t see those buttons, you likely don’t have GFCI protection in that outlet.

🏚️ Why Older Homes Are Often at Risk

Many homes built before the 1990s weren’t required to have GFCI outlets in utility spaces. And unless someone has upgraded the wiring or outlets since then, they may still be missing today.

Even in homes that were updated, some rooms get skipped — especially garages, basements, or laundry areas that don’t get used daily.

⚠️ What’s the Risk Without GFCI Protection?

• Shocks or electrocution: Water from a leaky washing machine or a wet garage floor can turn a basic outlet into a danger zone.

• Appliance damage: Sudden power imbalances can wear out or destroy sensitive appliances.

• Code violations: Most home inspectors flag missing GFCIs as a required fix — especially during real estate transactions.

🧰 Upgrading to GFCI is Quick and Affordable

GFCI outlets are a small investment that offer major peace of mind. An upgrade can usually be completed quickly by a licensed electrician — and it brings your home up to today’s electrical safety code.

Whether you’re protecting your family, prepping for a home sale, or just want to avoid surprise electrical issues, GFCI protection is a smart, simple step.

📞 Need help checking your home’s outlets? Bowman Electric is here to help you stay safe, up to code, and fully protected.

Back-to-School Electrical Safety at Home

As kids head back to school, your home’s electrical system might face more demand than you think. From charging laptops and tablets to powering homework stations, gaming setups, and bedroom lights, now is the perfect time to make sure your home is safe, efficient, and ready to handle it all.

Here’s what every parent should check before the school routine ramps up:

🔌 Inspect Outlets in Bedrooms & Homework Areas

Children and teens often plug multiple devices into a single outlet—chargers, lights, fans, and electronics. Overloaded circuits can overheat and pose fire risks.

✅ What to do:

• Check for warm or discolored outlets

• Ensure plugs fit snugly

• Avoid “daisy chaining” multiple power strips or extension cords

⚠️ Use the Right Power Strips

Not all power strips are created equal. Basic ones may not protect electronics from a surge caused by storms or overload.

✅ Look for:

• Surge protection labels

• UL certification

• Resettable circuit breakers

This is especially important for computers, gaming systems, and expensive devices used for schoolwork.

🛏️ Don’t Charge Devices on Beds or Under Pillows

It might seem harmless, but phones and tablets can overheat when charging on soft surfaces. Bedding and pillows can trap heat and increase the risk of fire.

✅ Teach your kids to:

• Charge on a desk or nightstand

• Never cover charging devices

• Unplug chargers when not in use

🧹 Tidy Up Tangled Cords

With more devices comes more cords. Loose, tangled, or hidden cords under rugs are tripping and fire hazards.

✅ Use:

• Cord organizers or cable boxes

• Flat extension cords for tight spaces

• Cord protectors in high-traffic areas

🧯 Test Safety Devices

With kids home after school or while you’re at work, safety devices matter more than ever.

✅ Double-check that:

• Smoke detectors are working and have fresh batteries

• GFCI outlets in bathrooms and near sinks are tested and reset

• Nightlights and extension cords are in good condition

🧰 Consider a Professional Home Electrical Checkup

If your home is older, has flickering lights, or frequently trips breakers, it may be time for a professional inspection. Bowman Electric can:

• Check for overloaded circuits

• Upgrade outdated outlets

• Ensure your system is safe and ready for the school year ahead

📞 Call Bowman Electric today to schedule your Back-to-School Electrical Safety Check! Let’s make sure your home is safe, smart, and ready to power up a successful school year — for you and your kids.

Overloading a Light Switch: Why It’s a Bigger Deal Than You Think

What does “overloaded” mean? When too many light fixtures are connected to a single switch or circuit, you're asking that circuit to carry more current than it was designed for. Think of it like plugging six space heaters into one power strip — the load may exceed the circuit’s capacity, especially if you're adding more lights during a remodel or home update.

⚠️ The risks of overloading include:

• Frequent breaker trips: Your panel is doing its job by cutting power to prevent overheating — but it’s a red flag.

• Flickering or dimming lights: This could signal voltage drop or overdrawn current.

• Warm switches or buzzing sounds: A clear sign that the wiring is under stress.

• Fire hazards: Overloaded circuits can lead to overheating behind walls where damage isn’t easily seen.

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🏡 Why older wiring is more vulnerable

Homes built before the 1980s weren’t designed to support today’s lighting trends. Even if you’re using energy-efficient LED bulbs, the overall wattage still matters — and outdated wires and breakers might not be up to code or capable of safe performance. Old connections, aluminum wiring, or shared neutral setups can all contribute to overload issues.

💡 How to know it’s time to call an electrician:

• You’ve added recessed lights or under-cabinet lighting and now experience breaker trips

• Your light switches are hot to the touch or make a faint buzzing noise

• You plan to upgrade to multi-zone lighting or smart dimmers

• Your home hasn’t had an electrical inspection in over 10 years

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🛠 What Bowman Electric can do:

• Evaluate the current circuit load and wiring capacity

• Add new, dedicated lighting circuits if needed

• Replace outdated or unsafe wiring

• Ensure everything is up to modern electrical code

✅ Safe lighting = peace of mind

Lighting upgrades should enhance your space — not stress your system. Let’s make sure your switches and circuits can handle the glow without the risk.

📞 Call Bowman Electric today at 406-880-4777 for a safe, smart solution that keeps your lights bright and your wiring safe.