The Mystery Behind GFCI's!

Have you ever wondered what is the purpose of the outlets with buttons on them? Skyline Inspections has the answer for you. The outlets we are referring to are called Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters, or GFCI's for short.

The NEC defines Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter as a device intended for the protection of personnel that functions to de-energize a circuit or portion thereof within an established period of time when a current to ground exceeds the values established for a Class A device.

Areas we would like to see GFCI's located at are garages, outdoors, crawlspaces, kitchens, bathrooms, wet bars, boathouses, rooftops, and pools.

GFCI's should be tested or exercised monthly. A common way to test the outlet is to connect a nightlight to the outlet and press the test button.
If the "RESET" button pops out but the light does not turn off, the GFCI has been improperly wired. Contact an electrician to correct the wiring errors.
If the "RESET" button does not pop out, the GFCI is defective and should be replaced.
If the GFCI is functioning properly and the lamp turns off, press the "RESET" button to restore power to the outlet.​