How to Test Your GFCI Outlets
Home Inspection Tips for Homeowners
What is a GFCI?
Ground-fault circuit-interrupter (GFCI) outlets, or breakers, are safety devices that help protect you from electrical shock. GFCIs will usually work reliably for many years, but over time they can fail and lose their primary safety function. GFCIs can also be wired improperly, which will disable the safety feature of the outlet. That’s why all receptacle-type GFCIs are currently designed to allow for safe and easy testing that can be performed without any professional or technical knowledge of electricity. The test takes just a few seconds and doesn’t require shutting off the circuit power. GFCIs should be tested right after installation to make sure they are working properly and protecting the circuit. They should also be tested once a month to make sure they are working properly and are providing protection from fatal shock. If a GFCI fails this simple test, replace the outlet as soon as possible. We test all GFCIs using a dedicated receptacle tester during our home inspections.
How to Test a GFCI Outlet
To test the GFCI receptacle without a dedicated tester, plug a nightlight or lamp into the outlet. The light should be on. Next, press the “TEST” button located between the two sets of slots where you plug in cords on the outlet. The “RESET” button should pop out and the light should turn off. If the “RESET” button pops out but the light does not turn off, the GFCI has been improperly wired. Contact an electrician to correct the wiring errors.
If the “RESET” button does not pop out, the GFCI is defective and should be replaced.
If the GFCI is functioning properly and the lamp turns off, press the “RESET” button to restore power to the outlet.
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