GFCIs are essential electrical safety outlets that help prevent electrical shocks in the home or workplace.
If these outlets detect irregularities in the current flowing through them, they’ll automatically cut off the power source to prevent potential hazards.
In this piece, we will look at some of the best GFCI outlets on the market, their features, perks, and drawbacks, and help you choose the one that best suits your needs.
GFCI Outlet: An Overview:
A GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlet is designed to protect people from electrical shocks by quickly cutting off power during a ground fault.
A ground fault is an electrical imbalance that occurs when electricity travels through an unexpected path, such as through water or metal, and can cause electroshock if a person comes into touch with that surface.
A GFCI outlet constantly monitors the electrical current flowing through it and reacts to electrical imbalances by instantly shutting off the power, sparing lives from hazardous electroshock.
They’re commonly used in high-moisture areas where electrical appliances may come into contact with water, such as outdoor areas , bathrooms, kitchens, and garages.
GFCI outlets are identified by their “TEST” and “RESET” buttons on the front of the outlet, which are used to check and reset the GFCI’s functionality .
What Makes a GFCI Outlet High-Quality?
When buying a high-quality GFCI outlet, there are several factors you should consider.
For starters, look for well-known and reputable brands certified by recognized safety organizations such as the UL, ETL, or CSA.
Second, the amperage level of the GFCI outlet should be compatible with the circuit to which it’s attached. Using an outlet with a greater amperage rating than its circuit is risky, as it may lead to overheating, fire, or other electrical risks.
Third, the GFCI outlet’s “TEST” and “RESET” buttons should be easy to locate and use. In addition, search for an outlet with an LED indicator that indicates whether the outlet is working correctly.
Fourth, looking for a tamper-resistant one is another fantastic feature to keep in mind. A tamper-resistant outlet is made to prevent the accidental insertion of foreign objects, something that kids usually do.
Finally, everyone desires a quick and easy implementation, so ensure the GFCI outlet is compatible with your current cabling and electrical system.
By taking these aspects into account, you can easily recognize a high-quality GFCI outlet that provides a solid defense against electrical shock.
- 15A power capacity
- UL-certified
- 2-year limited warranty
- Seven color options
- LED indicator
- White color
- Black “TEST” button & red “RESET” button
- UL-certification
- Red & green LED indicators
- 20 Amp power capacity
- UV-resistant
- Corrosion-resistant
- Tamper-resistant
- White or ivory color
- Receptacles + USB Type A & C ports
- LED indicator
- UL-certified
- 15 Amp power capacity
- White and ivory color options
- 20 Amp power capacity
- LED indicator
- UL-listed
- Sound alarm
Now that we know the basics of GFCI outlets, let’s meet the best models currently dominating the market.
Best GFCI Outlets
1. Leviton GFCI Outlet
- 15A power capacity
- UL-certified
- 2-year limited warranty
- Seven color options
- LED indicator
- Sleek, modern design
- Self-test ability
- Smartlock function
- Multiple color options to fit every interior or exterior design
- The “RESET” button may be hard to press
- The LED light may be too bright for some
- The buttons have the same color, which some customers find confusing
Leviton has over 110 years of expertise in the data networking, home automation, and electrical equipment fields.
Their GFCI outlet has a 15-amp power capability and a sleek design with numerous color choices to match any décor.
The “TEST” and “RESET” buttons are the same color as the outlet that some customers enjoy because it makes it appear more modern.
Others consider this a drawback because it’s much harder to distinguish between the two unless you read the labels. Also, some customers found the “RESET” button very hard to press.
Nevertheless, the GFCI outlet’s self-test ability is one of its most notable selling points. The outlet conducts a self-test every few seconds to ensure it’s working appropriately.
Furthermore, the Leviton model includes a “SmartlockPro” function that stops the device from being reset if it’s not properly wired.
The LED light on this GFCI outlet is yet another helpful feature that displays the device’s status, although some customers complain it’s too bright.
Lastly, this outlet has a UL safety and efficiency certification and a 2-year limited warranty.
Overall, the Leviton GFCI outlet is an excellent choice for those looking for a slim design with reliable features.
2. Anko GFCI outlet
- White color
- Black “TEST” button & red “RESET” button
- UL-certification
- Red & green LED indicators
- 20 Amp power capacity
- UV-resistant
- Corrosion-resistant
- Tamper-resistant
- Ideal for outdoor use and high-moisture areas
- Safety protection that prevents kids from getting electrocuted
- The “TEST” and “RESET” buttons are easily recognizable
- Self-tests every 40 seconds
- The green LED indicator isn’t very noticeable
If you are looking for a GFCI outlet for outdoor use, then the ANKO model is a fantastic choice.
The Anko GFCI is corrosion and UV resistant, making it great for handling lousy weather conditions or high-humidity areas.
It comes in white, with a black “TEST” button and a red “RESET” button. Also, it has a 20 Amp capacity and is tamper-resistant, so it’s an excellent option for anyone worried about the safety of their children (more on this below).
The product conducts self-testing every 40 seconds, ensuring you always have top-tier security. It also boasts a UL certification that attests to its efficiency and safety.
Furthermore, the outlet has green and red LED indicators. The green lets you know that the device is working as it should. However, some customers complain that the green light is not bright enough, making it hardly noticeable.
The red light blinks during a self-test and fully lights up if it’s no longer protecting you.
Overall, the ANKO GFCI Outlet is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable, weather-resistant, and tamper-resistant outlet. Its 20 Amp capacity and UL listing ensure that it’ll provide safe, reliable electrical power for years.
3. Legrand GFCI USB Outlet
- White or ivory color
- Receptacles + USB Type A & C ports
- LED indicator
- UL-certified
- 15 Amp power capacity
- Self-test every three seconds
- Tamper-resistant
- SafeLock function
- Enables power to both power plugs and USB chargers
- The same-colored “TEST” and “RESET” buttons are hard to distinguish
If you are searching for a GFCI outlet with receptacles and USB ports, look no further than the Legrand Radiant GFCI Outlet.
The outlet has two USB connections for charging devices such as cellphones, laptops, and other USB-powered devices. The ports are compatible with type-A and type-C USB cables.
This model is UL-listed and has a power rating of 15 amps, sufficient to charge the most common home appliances and gadgets.
It has a simplified and modern design in white and ivory. However, some may find the “TEST” and “RESET” buttons, which also come in the same color as the outlet, hard to distinguish.
This tamper-resistant outlet conducts a self-test every 3 seconds to guarantee correct operation. It also includes a LED indicator and a SafeLock function, which disables electricity to the outlet if crucial components are damaged.
In conclusion, this product is a reliable electrical outlet that powers traditional and USB-powered devices while protecting you and your family from electrical dangers.
4. Legrand GFCI Sound Alarm Outlet
- White and ivory color options
- 20 Amp power capacity
- LED indicator
- UL-listed
- Sound alarm
- More powerful amperage rating than the other outlet models
- Self-test every three seconds
- Tamper-resistant
- Sounds an alarm once it detects a ground fault
- The same-colored “TEST” and “RESET” buttons are hard to distinguish
One of the most notable characteristics of this GFCI outlet is its audible alarm feature. The Legrand will emit a sound if the receptacle has an issue, such as a tripped circuit or defective cabling.
It’s UL-certified and rated for 20 amps, making it appropriate for more powerful appliances and devices than the other outlets mentioned here, rated for 15 amps only.
The outlet’s white and ivory colors are also stylish and complement most décor styles. Like the other Legrand GFCI model we’ve evaluated, this outlet has “TEST” and “RESET” buttons that are the same color as the outlet, which can be challenging to discern from a distance.
The receptacle is tamper-resistant and self-tests every 3 seconds, ensuring electrical safety. If it fails the test, the LED light will flash to alert you that it’s not working correctly.
Overall, the Legrand model is an outstanding product for those looking for an audible alert in case of a ground fault. The tamper-resistant feature, self-testing function, and alarm function are also valuable safety features worth considering.
Summary of the Best GFCI Outlets
| Leviton GFCI Outlet | Best design with multiple color options |
| Anko GFCI Outlet | Best design for outdoor use |
| Legrand GFCI USB Outlet | Best design for USB charging |
| Legrand GFCI Sound Alarm Outlet | Best design for heavy-duty appliances |
Conclusion
In conclusion, when looking for the best GFCI outlet, it’s critical to consider aspects such as the outlet’s amperage, safety certifications, reliability, design, and simplicity of installation.
Some of the best-rated GFCI outlets on the market include Levinton, Anko, Legrand USB, and Legrand Sound Alarm. These models have a proven track record of reliability, modern and sleek designs, and offer high levels of protection.
All in all, which type of GFCI outlet you’ll choose depends on your specific needs. We recommend the Legrand GFCI Sound Alarm as the best option. It’s rated for 20 Amps, has tamper-resistant and self-testing abilities, and includes LED light and audible alarms.
So, the Legrand Sound Alarm GFCI Outlet will undoubtedly provide superior ground fault protection. However, all the other models on our list are equally capable of delivering the security you seek.
