Have you ever heard of a "decora" style switch or receptacle but were unsure of what it meant? It refers to a line of outlets and switches manufactured by Leviton. Simply spending a few minutes in the design phase to lay out these items can make a big difference in the overall function of a finished space. I use a few simple guidelines for switch and outlet placement when designing my clients' spaces. However, somebody had to think about where to put that light switch or that GFCI outlet. We use these items so often that they become an oversight because they're always just "there" when you need them. Our team of residential electricians provides electrical repairs in the Wichita, Kansas, area.It is quite easy to overlook the placement of GFCI receptacles (outlets) and light switches in your kitchen design. If your GFCI outlet still isn’t working properly, or your tests indicated a problem, call the experts at Graf Electric at 31. Newer GFCI outlets will do a self-test automatically and notify you if there’s a problem via a red light. New GFCI outlets can be purchased at any hardware store.Įven if your GFCI outlets seem to be working properly, it’s important to test them every month. A common symptom of this is more frequent tripping. A worn out GFCI is not able to adjust to the electric current variations as well as a new one. These outlets are subject to wear and tear and will eventually need to be replaced. These devices will help troubleshoot by giving you a direct reason for the trip, e.g., open ground, open neutral, open hot, etc. If a problem is detected, the outlet will trip. These testers simply need to be plugged into the outlet, then a test button on the device is pressed. The only accurate way to test a GFCI outlet is with a test device that creates a ground fault. When it comes to protecting you and your family from electric shock, you can never be too safe. The outlet may be faulty or wired incorrectly. If the power doesn’t switch off and the lamp remains on, call a licensed electrician.Make sure the lamp works correctly and that the outlet doesn’t continue to trip. Press the reset button, which should reset the outlet and restore power to the device. If the power is switched off, the lamp won’t turn on and the GFCI is working correctly. The test button simulates a short circuit, which will stop any current being supplied. Try turning on the lamp that’s plugged in to ensure it’s not receiving power. Next, press the black test button and listen for an audible “snap” sound. If there is still no power, have a licensed electrician check the GFCI to see if it has faulty wiring or needs to be replaced. If no power is received, make sure the outlet isn’t already tripped. The outlet will trip instantly if a problem is present. In this case, you will want to leave the power on to properly test the outlet.įirst, try plugging in a lamp to check that the GFCI device is in working order. The only way to know if your outlet is performing as it should is to test it. Make sure all outlets outside your home are GFCI-protected as well.īut what should you do when a GFCI outlet isn’t working properly? Test your GFCI Outlet Basements often have wet floors and sump pits these too require GFCI outlets for your safety. Garages have been added to the list of required spots needing GFCI outlets. They’re required by the National Electrical Code (NEC) for rooms that can get wet and pose the greatest risk for electric shock. Water and electricity don’t mix, so your home should have GFCI outlets in the kitchen and bathrooms. The device stops the flow of electricity to the outlet by opening (interrupting) the circuit, and by doing so, prevents a possible electric shock. What is a GFCI Outlet?Ī ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) is a type of outlet that shuts off power when it detects that current is flowing along an unintended path. Here are some tips for troubleshooting a GFCI outlet so you’ll know when to replace it or call an electrician.
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