How to Test and Reset GFCI Outlets
It’s important to equip your home with proper electrical outlets to ensure your household’s safety. Power surges from outlets are no joke. They can lead to electric shock or produce dangerous electrical fires. Installing proper GFCI outlets in your home will protect you and your family from the risk of electrical harm.
Test and reset your GFCI outlets regularly to ensure they work correctly and protect you from electrical injury when necessary. Read on for a simple step-by-step guide and to learn when it’s time to call an electrician.
What is a GFCI Outlet?
GFCI stands for ground-fault circuit interrupter. It is a special safety outlet you will often see in bathrooms, laundry rooms, basements, and other areas where moisture is present. A GFCI outlet will trip the power circuit for the outlet when it detects an irregular current of electricity.
Essentially, GFCI outlets protect you from electric shock. GFCI outlets shut off power, or “trip,” in milliseconds, stopping the power from being severe enough to cause an electrical shock and stop your heart or electrocute you.
What You Need to Test a GFCI Outlet
Testing a GFCI outlet is fairly simple and won’t require many materials. All you need is a standard appliance, such as a lamp or nightlight, and safety equipment to use as the GFCI outlet tester. Wearing items such as insulated rubber gloves and rubber-sole or electrical hazard (EH-sole) boots will help protect you from electric shock. Make sure you put on all safety equipment before testing your outlet.
Step-by-Step Guide to Testing a GFCI Outlet
GFCI’s are an essential safeguard in your home. If you suspect your outlet has stopped working, here is how to test a GFCI:
1. Plug-in the testing device: You can use any standard appliance as your testing device, but we recommend a lamp. Don’t use anything that takes up too much power, such as a computer. Plug the testing device into the GFCI outlet and turn on your testing device.
2. Press the GFCI test button: You will see a test button in the middle of the outlet. Press this button. If the lamp turns off when you press the test button, the GFCI works and can trip the power if necessary.
If the lamp remains on after you have pressed the test button, the outlet did not trip, and there is a problem with your GFCI. It does not have the ability to trip the power in an emergency. If so, consult a residential electrician immediately to repair your GFCI outlet.
Resetting a GFCI Outlet
If your outlet has tripped and the GFCI is not working, you can reset the outlet to restore function. Follow these steps to learn how to reset a GFCI:
1. Unplug devices: Ensure you remove all electronic devices from the outlet.
2. Press the test button: Press the test button on the GFCI outlet. If you do not hear a click when you press the test button, the GFCI tripped, and power is not flowing through the outlet.
If you hear a click, you just successfully cut power from the outlet using the GFCI.
3. Press the reset button until it clicks: Press the GFCI reset button next to the test button. Once you hear the reset button click, the outlet should work again, and you can safely use it.
Troubleshooting GFCI Outlets
If your GFCI outlet keeps tripping on its own, won’t trip at all, or is experiencing any other problems, try these troubleshooting tips:
- Inspect the outlet for water damage. Water damage can cause a GFCI outlet to trip repeatedly. Check the surrounding area for rust, discoloration, or any other signs of water damage to determine if your receptacle needs replacing and the outlet needs waterproofing.
- Check the GFCI outlet wiring: Inspect the wiring connections of the outlet to ensure they are secure. If they are loose, tighten them to ensure proper contact.
- Ensure the circuit isn’t overloaded: A GFCI circuit connected to devices that draw too much power can trip. If multiple devices are connected, unplug them one at a time to see if the outlet stops tripping.
When to Call an Electrician
If your outlet still isn’t working after troubleshooting, contact an electrician. A broken GFCI outlet often requires replacement and can pose a safety risk if not dealt with right away. Stop using the outlet immediately and call one of our certified electricians to perform an inspection. They’ll assess the outlet, diagnose the issue, and recommend the next steps.
Call Express Electrical for Outlet Replacements
If your GFCI outlets are on the fritz, contact our team at Express Electrical. Our certified electricians will thoroughly inspect your outlet to determine if it needs replacement. If so, they can have it replaced in a matter of hours.
From light switch problems to complete home wiring issues, we’ve got you covered with our comprehensive home electrical services. We provide top-quality service to San Bernardino County, including Chino, Alta Loma, and Fontana. Call us or visit our website to schedule your service today!
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I test my GFCI outlets?
We recommend that you test and reset your GFCI outlets monthly. Resetting them is a smart way to ensure that your home is adequately protected.
What should I do if my GFCI outlet won’t reset?
A few culprits can cause your GFCI to not reset, including a faulty outlet, shut-off circuit breaker, improper connection, or an absent power supply. If your GFCI outlet won’t reset, give our team a call. We’ll have an electrician inspect the outlet to diagnose the issue.
Is there a difference between a GFI and a GFCI outlet?
GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) and GFI (Ground Fault Interrupter) outlets serve the same purpose and work to protect users from electric shock. Electricians often use GFI and GFCI interchangeably as the two have little difference.