Project Spotlight: Fixing a Faulty Outdoor GFCI and Improving Electrical Safety in Selbyville, Delaware

When a homeowner in Selbyville, Delaware noticed their outdoor outlet making a loud buzzing sound and repeatedly tripping the breaker, they knew it was time to call a professional electrician. Electrical issues like this can be frustrating, but more importantly, they can signal a safety concern that shouldn’t be ignored.

Our Expert Wire technician, Morgan, performed a thorough evaluation of the home’s electrical system to determine what was causing the problem.

The Problem

The exterior GFCI outlet located at the back of the home had become weathered over time and was showing signs of failure. While testing the outlet, it was clear that it was no longer functioning reliably. The homeowners also asked us to check several other items around the home to make sure their electrical system was operating safely and efficiently.

During the inspection, we discovered:

The outdoor GFCI outlet needed replacement due to weather exposure.

The dehumidifier circuit in the crawlspace was not protected by a GFCI outlet.

The electrical panel did not currently have a whole-home surge protection device installed.

The homeowners wanted their water heater circuit relocated to the generator panel so it would remain powered during outages.

The Expert Wire Solution

To improve safety and reliability, our team recommended several upgrades.

First, we replaced the exterior GFCI outlet and weatherproof cover on the back of the home. This ensures the outlet is properly protected from moisture and outdoor conditions.

Next, we installed an audible GFCI outlet for the crawlspace dehumidifier circuit. This type of outlet not only provides the required ground-fault protection but also alerts homeowners if there is an issue with the circuit wiring or the appliance.

To help the home function better during power outages, we relocated the water heater circuit into the generator panel using a tandem 20-amp breaker. This ensures the water heater can operate when the backup generator is running.

Finally, we installed a whole-home surge protection device inside the electrical panel. Modern surge protection helps protect valuable electronics, appliances, and sensitive equipment throughout the home from damaging voltage spikes.

The Result

After completing the work, the home now has safer, more reliable electrical protection. The outdoor outlet is functioning properly, the crawlspace equipment is protected, and the home now benefits from modern surge protection and improved generator functionality.

The homeowners shared that they were pleased with the professionalism of our technician and appreciated the clear explanations of the work, options, and pricing. They also noted that the repairs and upgrades helped make their home’s electrical system safer.

Location: Selbyville, DE