What are GFCI Outlets?
A GFCI Outlet is similar to a regular outlet except that it contains special electronics built-in that give it the capability of shutting off the power to protect a person from getting shocked or electrocuted. These outlets are required for newer homes in areas where you may encounter water such as kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, garages, and outdoors. They’ve been protecting lives for decades and there is no reason that they shouldn’t be installed in every home. This is especially true given the cost vs. human life value. GFCI outlets only cost around $20-$40 each and can be installed in around 10-20 minutes in many cases.
Since GFCI outlets have been implemented, the amount of people that have died from electrocutions has been cut in half.
Why is Testing My GFCI’s Important?
GFCI outlets may stop working properly over time due to power surges, brown/black outs, or age. I test and replace a lot of GFCI outlets on a regular basis when I’m providing electrical services for my clients, . The majority of the GFCI outlets that I test and replace outdoors are not weather-resistant outlets and I find this disturbing. They make special GFCI outlets for exposure in wet/damp locations such as outdoor locations. These outlets have a “WR” imprinted right on the front of the outlet so it’s easy to tell if your outdoor outlets are weather-resistant.
Non-weather-resistant outlets fail much sooner than if your installer had just spent a few more bucks and purchased the right ones in the first place. I recommend going outside right after reading this post and checking to see if you have Weather-Resistant GFCI’s installed in your front and backyard areas.
What’s the difference you ask? The weather-resistant ones are made with UV-resistant materials and have corrosion resistant screws and a mounting strap that stands up to the harsh elements of the outdoors. In-use covers should be installed anywhere outdoors where you keep an extension cord plugged in all the time. Examples are when using Christmas lights or fountains. The in-use cover is much larger and allows you to close the cover even when an extension cord is plugged in.
How Do I Test My GFCI Outlets and How Often?
It’s very simple to test your indoor and outdoor GFCI Outlets. They have two buttons. One is a “Test” button and one is a “Reset” button. Just press the “Test” button and that will shut off power to the receptacle. Press the “Reset” button to reactivate it. If that works, you’re good to go. Your outlet is not providing the protection it’s supposed to if the outlet won’t reset or the buttons don’t work. This means it’s time to replace it. This testing should be done monthly. I sometimes find GFCI outlets that have been painted and that is a big no-no. This alone can cause the outlet buttons to not work properly because they are sealed with paint. This may be another reason to immediately replace that outlet. There are now many different color options available so you don’t have to paint them just to match your decor.
Thanks for reading my post and I hope that this information has been helpful! Give us a call, email, text, or contact us online if you live in the Los Gatos, CA area and don’t feel comfortable testing your own GFCI outlets. We’ll be happy to help you out. Here is another favorite blog of mine regarding the importance of GFCI outlets.
