Missing GFCI outlets (prise DDFT): what it is, how serious, what it costs

GFCI stands for ground fault circuit interrupter; a French report says « DDFT ». It is the outlet with two buttons, TEST and RESET, that you see near sinks. It compares the current going out and coming back; if some is missing, it is going somewhere else, maybe through a person, and it cuts the power in a fraction of a second.

This protection is required where water and electricity meet: near sinks, in the bathroom, outdoors. It can also come from a GFCI breaker in the panel.

It is a safety issue, and it is cheap to fix. That is why, in analyses, I almost always put it under “Fix first”: it gets done before moving in, especially with children.

A house built before the rule existed is not in violation. The inspector flags it because it is today’s safety standard.

Installing a GFCI outlet: $150 to $350 for one outlet, $400 to $900 for all the outlets in a wet area (kitchen, bathroom, outdoors). Replacing a GFCI outlet that no longer trips: $150 to $300.

A GFCI outlet also protects the outlets wired after it on the same circuit: the electrician may need fewer than you think.

These are ballpark figures for Quebec, to be confirmed with quotes.

1. Which outlets have no GFCI protection: kitchen, bathroom, outdoors?
2. Did the existing GFCI outlets trip with the TEST button?
3. Are there other electrical items to fix at the same time?

Does your report mention GFCI outlets? Upload it: in five minutes, I tell you what comes first, what to have checked and what to ask the seller.

Better to hire a master electrician, a member of the CMEQ: it is a safety matter, and your insurer may ask for proof of electrical work.

Press TEST: the RESET button should pop out and the outlet should lose power. Press RESET to turn it back on. Manufacturers recommend doing it every month.