GFCI outlets are common in most homes. While they function like any standard electrical outlet, knowing how to reset GFCI outlet can enhance their safety features, protecting against potentially fatal electrical shocks and similar hazards.
Of course, as with any piece of hardware, GFCI outlets can still experience issues. If you’re looking to fix a GFCI outlet, jump straight to our steps for troubleshooting . Otherwise, read on to learn more about how these special outlets work to protect you and your home.
Do you have a home warranty with SHW? Your electrical system may be covered. Just submit your claim. If you don’t have a home warranty, getting a free quote is quick and easy. Call 800-670-8931 to get started.
GFCI stands for “Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter.” They’re a common safety device installed in many homes and are designed to protect people from getting shocked or electrocuted.
They’re easy to identify, as they often feature “Test” and “Reset” buttons. Some models of GFCI outlets will feature an LED light to indicate the outlet’s status.
GFCI outlets are most commonly installed in places where a water source is present, such as in bathrooms, kitchens, garages, basements, and outside the home.
These moisture-prone areas face additional challenges in humid climates where condensation and water exposure are constant concerns. For instance, residents in St. Petersburg, dealing with year-round humidity and frequent storms that can affect outdoor electrical installations, often rely on comprehensive coverage from a trusted St. Petersburg home warranty provider.
GFCI outlets constantly monitor the electrical current flowing through the circuit. When it detects a significant difference in the current, it immediately cuts the power to the outlet.
This functionality can save lives. By interrupting ground faults, GFCI outlets can prevent certain electrical fires or save someone from being electrocuted or burned.
Ideally, you should test GFCI outlets once a month and after a power failure. If needed, understanding how to reset GFCI outlet will help restore power and maintain protection.
Just a letter and a word, really. GFI stands for “Ground Fault Interrupter.” A GFI outlet is essentially the same thing as a GFCI outlet. The terms are used interchangeably. However, you may see GFCI used more often.
If your GFCI outlet isn’t working, it’s likely been tripped. While there are several reasons an outlet might lose power, resetting it is usually a simple fix. Thankfully, understanding how to reset the outlet is a quick and straightforward process. It can be done in 3 ways. Let’s learn how.
When a GFCI outlet won’t reset, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can try on your own to resolve the issue and perform a proper GFCI outlet reset.
First, check the breaker box or electrical panel. It’s possible that a breaker tripped, shutting off power to that section of your electrical system.
Next, you can check to see if any other nearby outlets have been tripped.
If you’ve tried everything else with no success, and still can’t get it to work, you may need to know how to reset GFCI outlet properly or consider replacing the outlet.
An outlet may be considered bad or faulty if:
GFCI outlets are typically expected to last around 15 to 25 years. If any of the outlets in your house are over 10 years old, it may be time for a replacement.
In some cases, issues may be caused by loose connections, a loose wire, worn insulation, and other deterioration brought on by age. These, too, can cause a malfunction and require electrical expertise to fix.
Of course, if you’re reading this guide, you may not feel comfortable replacing an electrical outlet on your own. In such a situation, it’s best to play it safe and turn to a licensed electrician for help.
Home warranty plans through SHW can cover wiring, service panels, breakers, and – you guessed it – ground fault interrupters. If you’re having issues with your GFCI outlet reset or another part of your electrical system, a home warranty can connect you with a professional to get things working again.
Best of all, home warranties help alleviate the financial burden of these repairs, helping you get your systems and appliances back in working order for a fraction of the cost.
It all starts with a free quote. Call us at 800-670-8931 to learn more.
Protect more than just your electrical system! See what else a home warranty covers
Don’t wait until it’s too late! Check out our current plans and get your free quote.
Household Tips
Whether you’re routinely cleaning or it’s about time to use some elbow grease, the shower and bathtub take special care. We use these areas of the home daily, sometimes causing..
Household Tips
During the summer, we use our appliances a lot. We tend to throw more parties during warm weather, and your home works very hard to keep up. As the summer..
Home Warranty
If you’re shopping for a home warranty for the first time, it might feel like there’s a lot to take in. Even for those among us who have owned multiple..