Ever wonder what that weird outlet in your kitchen really does? That’s call a GFCI, or Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter. As a homeowner, it’s essential to know what they do, so here’s a few important facts about GFCIs
Q. What is a GCFI?
A. A GFCI is a safety device designed to protect people from electric shocks caused by ground faults.
Q. Why are they necessary?
A. GFCIs are essential for preventing electrocution and electrical shocks, making them crucial for home safety.
Q. Where are they located?
A. GFCIs are commonly installed in areas where water and electricity might come into contact, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and garages.
Q. What do they look like?
A. With a quick glance, you can usually distinguish a GFCI outlet by the “reset” and “test” buttons located on the face of the device.
Q. Do GFCIs only protect that one outlet?
A. No, other outlets on the same circuit may be marked as being protected by that same GFCI, as only one is necessary on a circuit to protect that outlet and any others wired after.
Q. What happens if it trips?
A. Try and diagnose why it might have tripped. Once that’s resolved, press the “reset” button until it clicks. If power comes back on, the reset was successful. If not, try the “test” button and then press the “reset” button. If it’s still off, check your panel for a tripped breaker or seem professional help
If any of your GFCIs continue to trip or if you need help determining what’s wrong, get professional help! Electricity is important but can be hazardous, so don’t work on electrical tasks unless you have the proper experience and can do it safely.
Here at CheckMark Pros, we are always ready to assist with your electrical needs. We pride ourselves on helping you maintain your entire home, including your electrical system. Give us a call, we’d love to put a CheckMark on your to-do list!