Protecting your home or business from electrical shock and fire hazards begins with one of the simplest safety devices: the GFCI outlet. Short for Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter, GFCI outlets are required by code in moisture-prone areas like bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and outdoor spaces.

At Atlanta Master Electricians, we provide professional GFCI outlet installation and replacement services across Atlanta and surrounding counties. Whether you're upgrading for code compliance or adding new protection points, our licensed electricians ensure safe, code-compliant results every time.

What Is a GFCI Outlet?

A GFCI outlet is designed to prevent electric shock by detecting even tiny imbalances in current between the hot and neutral wires. When a difference is detected—like when electricity escapes through water or a human body—the outlet shuts off power in less than 1/40 of a second.

They’re a must-have in areas where water and electricity may come into contact.

Where GFCIs Are Required by Code?

According to the National Electrical Code (NEC), GFCI protection is required in:

• Bathrooms

• Kitchens (within 6 feet of a sink)

• Laundry and utility rooms

• Outdoor outlets and patios

• Basements and crawl spaces

• Garages and workshops

• Unfinished basements or wet bars

• Hot tub and pool areas

If your home or business lacks GFCIs in these areas, you’re likely out of code compliance—and at risk of fines or insurance issues if damage occurs.

Visit our GFCI Outlets Service page for more information.

Why Hire a Licensed Electrician?

Installing GFCI outlets may seem simple, but improper wiring can cause the device to malfunction—or not provide protection at all. In older homes especially, wiring may lack proper grounding or labeling.

Our licensed Atlanta electricians ensure:

• Correct line/load configuration for downstream protection

• Safe replacement of old or damaged outlets

• Testing for ground faults and voltage issues

• Use of weather-resistant GFCIs for outdoor use

• Integration with breaker panels if needed

We also ensure all GFCI installs meet NEC and Georgia state code requirements.

Signs You Need GFCI Outlet Replacement

GFCIs do wear out over time, and a faulty unit can silently fail to protect you.

Common signs it’s time to replace:

• The test/reset button doesn’t work

• Outlet won’t reset or trips frequently

• Cracked or scorched outlet face

• No power, even after reset attempts

• Installation date is over 10 years ago

GFCIs should be tested monthly (with the TEST button), and replaced every 7–10 years, depending on usage and environmental exposure.

GFCI Services We Offer

Whether you’re replacing one faulty unit or updating an entire kitchen or commercial workspace, we provide:

GFCI Installation in New Locations

• Add protection to older properties that don’t have GFCIs

• Bring bathrooms, kitchens, garages, and patios up to current code

• Install weather-resistant and tamper-proof models in the right places

GFCI Outlet Replacement

• Swap out worn, outdated, or non-working GFCIs

• Upgrade older styles to modern models with indicator lights

• Replace improperly wired units that were installed DIY or incorrectly

Troubleshooting GFCI Issues

• Outlet won’t reset? Keeps tripping? No power at downstream outlets?

• We diagnose faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, or incorrect grounding

  
  

Residential and Commercial GFCI Services

For Homes

Keeping your family safe is our top priority. We install or replace GFCIs in:

• Bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms

• Garages, crawl spaces, and basements

• Outdoor outlets and patio lighting

• Hot tub and pool equipment areas

For Businesses

OSHA, NFPA, and NEC guidelines all require GFCI protection in certain workspaces. We help commercial property owners maintain safe, compliant facilities.

Common commercial installs include:

• Restaurants and food prep stations

• Office break rooms and utility closets

• Retail and warehouse loading docks

• Commercial kitchens, spas, and salons

  
  

Do GFCIs Go in the Breaker Panel?

In some cases, especially for older homes or outdoor circuits, we install GFCI breakers in your main panel instead of using GFCI wall outlets. These provide protection for entire circuits and are ideal when:

• You need to protect outlets in hard-to-reach or wet locations

• You’re wiring a garage, exterior shed, or unfinished basement

• There are multiple downstream outlets on the same run

Do You Have an Urgent GFCI Problem?

If you’ve lost power to part of your kitchen or outdoor outlet and suspect a GFCI failure, our team is ready to help. We offer emergency electrician Atlanta services during business hours to keep your home or business protected and running.

Areas We Serve

We proudly install and replace GFCI outlets across the entire Atlanta metro area, including:

Fulton County – Atlanta, Alpharetta, Roswell, Sandy Springs, Johns Creek, Buckhead, Milton, Dunwoody, Mountain Park Cobb County – Marietta, Smyrna, Kennesaw, Powder Springs, Acworth, Mableton, Austell, East Cobb, Vinings DeKalb County – Decatur, Brookhaven, Stone Mountain, Chamblee, Doraville, Avondale Estates, Clarkston Gwinnett County – Lawrenceville, Buford, Suwanee, Norcross, Lilburn, Snellville, Dacula, Grayson, Berkeley Lake, Sugar Hill, Peachtree Corners Cherokee County – Woodstock, Canton, Holly Springs, Ball Ground Hall & Forsyth Counties – Cumming, Gainesville, Flowery Branch, Hoschton, Dawsonville

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much does it cost to install or replace a GFCI outlet?

   Pricing depends on the location, wiring condition, and number of outlets. We offer upfront estimates with no surprise fees. Discounts may apply for multiple units.

   
   

2. Can I replace a regular outlet with a GFCI myself?

   It’s not recommended unless you’re experienced with wiring. GFCIs must be installed properly to offer protection. An incorrectly wired GFCI may appear to work, but won’t shut off in a fault.

   
   

3. Do GFCI outlets protect downstream outlets?

   Yes—when installed correctly, one GFCI outlet can protect all outlets “downstream” on the same circuit. We’ll test and label each outlet to ensure full coverage.

Contact 470-556-0961 today to schedule expert GFCI outlet installation or replacement you can trust.