Have you ever been in a rush getting ready in the morning, only to have nothing happen when you plug in your trusty hairdryer to turn it on? When unplugging and plugging again doesn’t work, perhaps you remember to check the outlet. With the quick push of a small button, voila, the hairdryer works and you’re back on track.
If you’ve ever been curious about the “why” behind having to reset an electrical outlet, we’ve taken a look at what the reset button on your outlet actually does.
What is GFCI?
Those little buttons found on many outlets are part of a device called a ground-fault circuit interrupter or GFCI. They made their debut in the late 1960s in pools and then found their way into bathrooms, garages and kitchens—essentially anywhere water and electricity might come into contact—in the 1970s and ’80s.
The purpose behind them is threefold: to protect you from electrical shock, reduce the risk of electrical fires caused by ground faults, and shut off power when dangerous electrical faults are detected. But how?
What does GFCI do?
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the GFCI constantly compares the current flowing out through the hot wire with the current returning through the neutral wire. If it detects an imbalance, indicating electricity may be flowing somewhere unintended, it quickly shuts off power. “GFCls are designed to operate before the electricity can affect your heartbeat,” the CPSC writes.
For example, if an appliance like a hairdryer is plugged into a GFCI outlet and dropped into a sink filled with water, the outlet will detect an imbalance in the electrical current and automatically shut off.
How do I reset a GFCI outlet?
Fortunately, resetting GFCI outlets is easy: unplug everything from the outlet and press the RESET button; you should hear a click. When you plug your appliance back in, it should work without a problem.
How do I prevent GFCI outlets from tripping?
To avoid GFCI outlets tripping, the CPSC recommends testing them monthly. If your outlets trip often, check for faulty appliances, moisture intrusion, damaged cords, or wiring issues. Armadillo Home Solutions also notes that GFCI outlets typically last 10 to 15 years. If you’ve lived in your house for at least that long, you may want to check that they’re still operational.
Susan Barnes is a journalist and public relations consultant with over 20 years of experience. She has written for AARP, AFAR, Southern Living, Forbes Vetted, and more.
Source: Home Ideas - goodhousekeeping.com
