GFCI Outlets – What Are They?
During my inspections, I’ve heard people call GFCI outlets all kinds of crazy names! It doesn’t matter what you call them, as long as you have them in the correct locations in your home. They are recommended in wet or damp locations, such as around your kitchen and bathroom sinks, exterior outlets, and in garages and unfinished basements. You should contact an electrician for the correct locations in your home. A GFCI outlet measures the voltage on the hot and the neutral wires, if there is any difference, the outlet will trip. This type of outlet is more sensitive than a breaker and acts faster, which is an important safety feature. A GFCI outlet has a “Test” and a “Reset” button. Pressing the “Test” button will trip the outlet and open the circuit. Pressing the “Reset” will restore the circuit. If pressing the test button does not work, then replace the GFCI outlet. If the outlet does pop when you press the “Test” button, but the outlet still has power, the outlet is wired wrong. A G
