GFCI or GFI Outlet Doesn’t Work?
Posted by Darrell Boyd on Mon, Sep 12, 2011 @ 07:32 PM
GFCI Outlet Doesn’t Work?
Definition - GFCI is short for... Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter
As with most electrical devices there can be multiple reasons why it's not operating properly. Here are a few that seem to be the most common regarding your gfci outlet.
- The most often cause is that the reset button has tripped out and needs to be reset. Usually just hitting the reset button will get your gfci reset and have it back in operational use again.
- Often times something downstream of the gfci can be causing a problem that is keeping the gfci tripped or tripping on a regular basis. (For instance a outside receptacle that is getting wet or has water in it.)
- The gfci itself may just be bad or worn out and need to simply be replaced.
- It can also be the result of the gfci itself not getting power. This can be a result of anything upstream of the device being bad and not allowing power to feed the gfci. ie... tripped circuit breaker.
These are just a few of the main causes that cause your gfci not to work. However, keep in mind that what is equally important to resetting or replacing your gfci device is knowing for sure what caused it to not work or trip in the first place. These devices are designed to save lives and so when the reset button gets tripped be certain to try and find out why it tripped as there may be a real problem or concern that needs corrected. If you aren’t certain why yours is tripping or know how to troubleshoot the gfci please consult your local electrician.
What do these devices do? Think of them as air bags for your home you know like the air bags you have in your car to protect you from a crash. These devices sense electrical current and if the current coming in doesn't match the current leaving then this device knows there is a problem and shuts the circuit down. Think about all the appliances we use in kitchens and bathrooms and around sinks, think about all the power tools we use plugged into our outside outlets, think about the extension cords we use and how they get nicked up. These devices will shut down quicker than you can blink to protect us from ourselves. If electricity flows from hot to ground through you it can be fatal however this simple device will react with in 1/30th of a second to save your life just like the air bag in your car.
Finally don't forget these devices are required on all garage and outside outlets, kitchen outlets, bathroom outlets, with in 6' of any sink (ie...laundry sink, clothes washer, etc...) and crawl spaces or unfinished spaces. Caution.....Never replace a gfci outlet with a regular outlet as you are endangering yourself and everyone else who comes in contact with the circuit you compromised by not keeping a gfci installed where required. If it's a nuisance and won’t stop tripping out then have an electrician find out why, there IS a reason!
If you need help call the pro's at Mister Sparky. We will answer the phone, show up on time, give you a price up front before starting the work, then solve your problem professionally and with a smile. Oh.... We'll cleanup when were done too!