April 3, 2017 - Ground Fault Circuit Interrupting Devices
1. GFCI OutletVery Common GFCI outlet usually installed above kitchen counter tops and in bathrooms.
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2. GFCI BreakerInstalled inside circuit panels, GFCI breakers accomplished ground fault protection without the need of GFCI outlets.
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3. Resetting a tripped breakerWhen a breaker has been tripped, by GFCI or otherwise, the breaker will need to be reset by switched it to the "off" position, then to "On."
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One of the very common calls we receive are for a couple outlets that have stopped working mysteriously. Don't worry, you are far from the first person to have this problem, and we will be more than happy to come take a look at it for you. However, here is what we suggest trying before and appointment is made:
1. GFCI Outlets - Gfci outlets are very commons means of protecting a circuit from damage. Usually installed in a kitchen and bathroom, or really anywhere there is a risk of contact with water and other hazards. On the outlet you will notice that there are two buttons labeled "reset" and "test." If the outlet is NOT energized, the first thing you should try is pressing the "reset" button. You will notice that the buttons are pretty hard to push, this is done so that the buttons are difficult to press on accident. If the outlet is reset, you will hear and feel a click. Hopefully this has resolved the problem.
The "test" button is there for exactly what you think: testing the outlet to make sure it works. Once the button is pressed the outlet and any other outlets protected by it will become de-energized. Then, press the "reset" button..
2. Gfci Breakers: Ground fault circuit interrupting breakers accomplish the same thing as outlets. However, when they are installed in a panel, you no longer need to install GFCI outlets. When these breakers are tripped, you will notice that the on/off lever will be in the middle, or tripped, position. You will need to reset these by first switching the breaker completely off, then to the on position. Going straight from tripped to on will result in the lever to go right back to the tripped position. (as seen in picture 3.)
We in no way consider this a "fix-all" solution, and this will usually only cover dead outlets in the bathrooms, kitchen, and outdoor outlets. If this happens frequently, it could be a sign of a more in depth problem that needs to be resolved by a professional (hopefully us.)
If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or you are currently experiencing a similar problem, Please Contact us.
Thanks!
Crystal Electrical Solutions Team
1. GFCI Outlets - Gfci outlets are very commons means of protecting a circuit from damage. Usually installed in a kitchen and bathroom, or really anywhere there is a risk of contact with water and other hazards. On the outlet you will notice that there are two buttons labeled "reset" and "test." If the outlet is NOT energized, the first thing you should try is pressing the "reset" button. You will notice that the buttons are pretty hard to push, this is done so that the buttons are difficult to press on accident. If the outlet is reset, you will hear and feel a click. Hopefully this has resolved the problem.
The "test" button is there for exactly what you think: testing the outlet to make sure it works. Once the button is pressed the outlet and any other outlets protected by it will become de-energized. Then, press the "reset" button..
2. Gfci Breakers: Ground fault circuit interrupting breakers accomplish the same thing as outlets. However, when they are installed in a panel, you no longer need to install GFCI outlets. When these breakers are tripped, you will notice that the on/off lever will be in the middle, or tripped, position. You will need to reset these by first switching the breaker completely off, then to the on position. Going straight from tripped to on will result in the lever to go right back to the tripped position. (as seen in picture 3.)
We in no way consider this a "fix-all" solution, and this will usually only cover dead outlets in the bathrooms, kitchen, and outdoor outlets. If this happens frequently, it could be a sign of a more in depth problem that needs to be resolved by a professional (hopefully us.)
If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or you are currently experiencing a similar problem, Please Contact us.
Thanks!
Crystal Electrical Solutions Team