TROUBLESHOOTING YOUR GFCI ELECTRICAL RECEPTACLE:
PLEASE NOTE: THROUGHOUT ANY OF THE FOLLOWING STEPS (PROCEDURES); IF YOU ARE
NOT SURE YOU CAN DO THIS JOB SAFELY, AND COMPETENTLY, REFER THIS WORK TO
QUALIFIED PROFESSIONAL!
If your unit comes equipped with a GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) electrical
receptacle, and there is no power in the receptacle please consider/check the following:
•
The extension cord (if being used) is working properly.
•
The breaker hasn’t been tripped, or turned off.
This type of GFCI has two testing-related buttons on it. One button is appropriately labeled “TEST”,
and the other button is labeled “RESET”. To test the GFCI receptacle follow these steps:
•
Plug in an appliance (lamp or night light) into the outlet. The light should now be on. Then
press the “TEST” button on the GFCI. The GFCI “RESET” button should pop out, and the
light should go out.
•
If the “RESET” button pops out, but the light doesn’t go out, the GFCI has been improperly
wired. In this case please contact a certified professional. There may also be a problem with
other wiring in the same circuit.
•
If the “RESET” button doesn’t pop out, the GFCI is defective, or malfunctioned, and should
be replaced.
•
If the GFCI is functioning properly, and the lamp goes out, press the “RESET” button to
restore power to the outlet.
Conversely, if you have a GFI that has tripped (which is common) and it will not reset, you may
have a wiring short in the circuit, a defective appliance on the circuit, or the GFI itself has become
defective. To test a tripping GFCI follow these steps:
•
Remove every appliance connected to the GFCI's circuit and reset it. If it doesn't reset there
may either be a wiring fault behind a socket outlet, or your GFCI itself has become faulty.
•
Make sure whatever you are plugging into to the GFCI is dry and not damaged.
•
Only plug in one item at a time. If you are plugging in a defective item it will cause the GFCI
to trip, and that item therefore should be replaced.
If you are still having difficulty the easiest way to troubleshoot a GFI is to obtain a GFI tester, which
is available at most hardware stores. It plugs into the GFI outlet, and will supply you with a
"snapshot" of your connections, indicating wiring problems and/or the condition of the GFI. Another
way to troubleshoot is to simply purchase a new GFI and install it.