GFCI

What is a GFCI?

• GFCI: Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter. A GFCI is a safety device that will help protect a person from getting electrocuted. GFCI’s are required by code in bathrooms, Kitchens, Garages, Unfinished Cellars, Outdoors, and certain other locations. One GFCI can protect other outlets on the same circuit. Typically, you will have 2 GFCI’s in a kitchen.
• GFCI’s have a test and reset button. They should be tested once a month per their instructions. This can be done with a GFCI tester or by simply pushing the test button. The reset button should pop out. When it does, you reset it by pushing the reset button in till it clicks and stays pushed in. Sometimes, to reset them, you need to push it in twice. If it won’t reset, it’s time to replace it.
• GFCI breakers work the same way as a breaker when it comes to resetting it.
• New codes require that a GFCI have a “smart lock” feature on them which prevent power to the GFCI in the event that there is something wrong with it. Older GFCI’s used to keep giving power to the plug even when the GFCI wasn’t protecting the circuit correctly. Beware: Most GFCI’s found in hardware stores don’t seem to have this required feature. You can usually tell by the price. Don’t trust a $6 GFCI!