How To Check A Gfci Plug

The tester also has a test button that trips the gfci to check the safety function.

How to check a gfci plug. Gfci short for ground fault circuit interrupter outlets those unusual outlets with the test and reset buttons are required in areas of the house where shock hazards are greatest. If there is still no power check the circuit breaker and reset it. The gfci outlet will have two buttons on it normally these are color coded. All gfcis manufactured after mid 2006 are designed to tell you when they fail.

This can be due to two main reasons. Your new gfci will never require a circuit tester. Turn off the breaker to the circuit and unscrew the cover plate from the gfci with a screwdriver. If the night lamp continues to work after pressing the test button then this is a sign that the outlet has gone bad.

Unscrew the gfci from the electrical box. Press the reset button to restore power. Plug a lamp or a radio into the gfci outlet and turn it on to check if power is present in the outlet. A gfci outlet tester is inexpensive and can test standard non gfci outlets as well as gfcis making it a handy tool to have in your electrical tool kit.

Once the power trips you can check the efficiency of the gfci unit using a voltage meter. A gfci tester will easily allow you to test outlets for gfci protection. This has the same result as pushing the test button on the outlet face. The face of the gfci outlet features two small buttons that are labeled test and reset.

Step 2 test the outlet. This will cause the gfci outlet to trip and the flow of electricity will be cut. Plus installing a gfci outlet reduces the risk of electric shock helping ensure the safety of you and your family. Plug in the tester and push its test button.

Gfci s protect against deadly electrical shocks by sensing leaks in the electrical current and immediately tripping to shut off the power. If the power goes off the gfci is working. Simply press the test button and this will trigger a snap sound which indicates that the outlet has tripped. If it present touch the test button with your finger.

In many homes necessary circuit breakers and gfcis are already installed but they can stop working unexpectedly so it is important to know how to replace gfci outlets when this happens.