Skip Navigation

Maryland’s Premier Residential and Commercial Electrician
Also Serving DC, Northern Virginia and Southern Pennsylvania

Schedule an Appointment Today! Generac Authorized Dealer See our Blog! (410) 799-5791
or (301) 384-8880

Tips for Testing Your Home’s GFCI Outlets

Tips for Testing Your Home's GFCI Outlets

Every once in a while, it is necessary to test the GCFI outlets in your home or commercial property to make sure they are working properly.

GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) outlets are an essential safety feature in any home. The way they work is that when the internal sensor detects too much moisture, the outlet will stop supplying electricity. Since water is a conductor of electricity, this can help prevent electrocution and other related incidents and injuries. In most places, building codes now require GFCI outlets for bathrooms, kitchens, and any other room where there may be a lot of moisture. Every once in a while, it is necessary to test the GCFI outlets in your home or commercial property to make sure they are working properly.

Performing the Test

Performing a test is pretty simple. When you look at the outlet, you will see two buttons, usually placed between the plug slots: the “test” and “reset” buttons. When you press the “test” button, you should hear a clicking noise, to signal that the power was cut off. To really make certain, you can bring a small night light or lamp to plug in while you perform the test. If the device turns off when you press the button, the outlet has passed the test! If any of your GFCI outlets don’t pass testing, call TriStar Electric right away to schedule a time for us to come out and take a look!

Using a GFCI Tester

As an alternative to the “hi-tech” night light test, you can purchase a GFCI tester from your local home improvement store. These devices are rather simple, with LED indicator lights that tell you whether the outlet is functioning as expected or not. You can also use the tester to see whether or not your standard outlets are working properly.

Test Frequency

GFCI testing should be performed once per month. While that may sound like a lot, it is important for the safety of your property, and your family. And again, if at any time you think something might be awry with your GFCI outlets, call TriStar Electric right away!

For ALL of Your Residential or Commercial Electrical Needs, Call TriStar Electric!

No matter the job, big or small, the professionals at TriStar Electric will be happy to discuss your project and answer any questions or concerns you may have. We offer free in-home consultations, plus an after-hours and emergency phone line for advice or service!

If you have any questions about our electrical repairs or upgrades, please contact TriStar Electric, Maryland’s premier residential and commercial electrician, by calling 410-799-5791 or 301-384-8880. Or, you can fill out the contact form on our website.

Are you looking for a quality electrician in Maryland, Washington DC, Southern Pennsylvania, or Northern Virginia? Take a look at TriStar Electric’s online reviews and ratings on Angie’s ListYelpGoogleFacebookBetter Business Bureau Greater Maryland,  and Better Business Bureau Greater Mid-Atlantic. You can also follow us on FacebookTwitterGoogle+LinkedInPinterest, and YouTube!

This entry was posted on Friday, August 17th, 2018 at 3:24 pm. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

Contact Us Today