What You Can Do and What You Shouldn’t Do with GFCI Outlet Reset

What Is a GFCI Outlet and What Do They Do? 

GFCI, or ground-fault circuit interrupter outlets are very important for the safety of you and your loved ones. They are designed to instantly turn off electrical power to the outlet when overloaded, in order to prevent electrical shock in areas where high moisture content is common. For this reason, you will often find GFCI outlets in bathrooms, kitchens, basements, laundry rooms and garages. 

Why Might a Homeowner Need to Reset Their GFCI Outlet

While their sensitivity is an essential safety asset, it can be annoying when your outlet stops working in the middle of getting ready for your workday. GFCI outlets will shut off if they are overloaded with electrical devices, but thankfully, they also contain a reset button that will allow the outlet to return to normal without the need to take a trip across your home to the circuit breaker. 

How to Reset Your GFCI Outlet 

Before resetting your outlet, try and determine what the cause of the overloaded circuit was. In most cases, this should be obvious, since the GFCI outlet will have shut down while you were using a tool or appliance. However, if there are other signs of electrical trouble, like your entire bathroom has stopped receiving power, then you probably have a bigger issue to deal with. If the situation is clear, then all you need to do to is push the red “reset” button. You should hear a click. Test by plugging the device back into the outlet. If it still won’t work, or if it trips again, then it may be time to call a qualified electrician who can conduct an inspection and determine the problem. 

Do You Need a Professional Electrical Service? Call the Team at Mr. Electric Today 

Did you try all the above steps, but still can’t get your GFCI outlet to work correctly? Then it may be time to invest in professional electrical services. There is no need to continue to deal with this stressful issue. Call the experts at Mr. Electric of Fort Worth and get your electrical outlets back in top shape fast. Contact our office for more information about our wide selection of commercial and residential services or to schedule an appointment with a certified, licensed and insured electrician in Fort Worth, Burleson, Arlington, Lake Worth, Saginaw, Benbrook, White Settlement, Aledo, Weatherford, TX or a surrounding DFW area community.