GFCI Outlets: They Can Be a Pain… Until They Save Your Life

I'll be honest, GFCI outlets probably cause more confusion than just about anything else I get called for.

Someone plugs in a hair dryer, pressure washer, or freezer, and all of a sudden the outlet quits working. The first thought is usually, "The outlet's gone bad."

A lot of times, it hasn't.

It's just doing exactly what it was built to do.

What a GFCI Is Actually Doing

Those little Test and Reset buttons aren't there for decoration. A GFCI is designed to shut the power off almost instantly if it senses electricity going somewhere it shouldn't. That could be through water, a damaged extension cord, a bad appliance, or even a person.

That's why you'll find them in bathrooms, kitchens, garages, outside, crawl spaces, unfinished basements, and anywhere else moisture is more likely to be around.

One GFCI Can Protect Several Outlets

One thing that surprises a lot of homeowners is that one GFCI outlet can protect several other outlets.

I've had plenty of service calls where someone lost power to an outside outlet, and the problem ended up being a GFCI in a bathroom on the other side of the house. They didn't even know it was there.

Before you assume an outlet has gone bad, take a walk through the house and look for another GFCI that may have tripped.

If It Keeps Tripping, Don't Keep Resetting It

Now, if it keeps tripping every time you reset it, don't just keep pushing the button.

That's usually your electrical system trying to tell you something.

It might be a bad appliance. It could be moisture getting where it shouldn't. Sometimes it's damaged wiring. Whatever the cause, repeatedly resetting it without figuring out why isn't fixing the problem.

Test Them Every Few Months

Another thing I recommend is testing your GFCI outlets every few months. It takes less than a minute. Push the Test button and make sure it shuts off. Then push Reset and make sure power comes back on.

If it won't trip or it won't reset, it's time to replace it.

They're not made to last forever.

The Quiet Protection You Hope You Never Need

The good news is that GFCI outlets have prevented countless electrical shocks over the years. Most of the time you'll never know they're doing their job because nothing ever happens.

But if something does go wrong, you'll be glad they're there.

They're one of those things you hope you never need… but I'd never want a home without them.