GFCIs save lives. Learn how to test your GFCIs two ways, with these instructions.
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Introduction
Ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) receptacles — often called GFCI outlets — protect people from electrical shock. This protection is required by the National Electric Code (NEC) when the likelihood of electrical shock is greater than usual. Generally, this is in bathrooms, kitchens, basements and other places where water could be present.
GFCI protection works by monitoring the current that flows through the receptacle. In a normal scenario, current coming into and leaving the receptacle is equal. Deviation by as little as 4 to 6 milliamps can indicate a dangerous situation called a ground fault. When this happens, the GFCI immediately shuts off power to the receptacle.
The NEC requires GFCI receptacles be listed (approved) by a laboratory such as UL. According to current standards, GFCI receptacles must have an internal monitoring system that checks GFCI effectiveness. Before 2015, consumers had to physically push the TEST button on the device to know if it still provided protection. Not many people actually do this, so today's GFCI receptacles have a light to alert you if they ever fail the internal testing. They also deny power to the device at the end of its life, indicated by a different colored light.
Even with these safety updates, you should still test your GFCI periodically to ensure the mechanical tripping mechanism works. Models without an indicator light should be tested with a special tester, available at any home improvement center. Post-2015 models can be tested with the TEST button alone. Here's how to do it.
Tools Required
- Chopstick
- GFCI receptacle tester
Watch How To Test GFCI Outlets
Project step-by-step (5)
Step 1
Option 1: Test GFCI using built-in mechanism
- Look for two buttons, labeled TEST and RESET, on the face of the GFCI receptacle. “It is easy to check if GFCI outlets have tripped because the button labelled RESET will protrude over the TEST button,” says Daniel Mock, vice president of operations at Mister Sparky.
- Plug in something simple, like a lamp or small appliance. Make sure it’s turned on, so it’s receiving power.
- Press the TEST button. You should hear an audible click, the light(s) should go off, and the RESET button will pop out slightly. This means the GFCI is doing its job and responding to a fault.
- Buttons can be hard to push. A wooden chopstick can help (do not use metal).
- Press the RESET button to return the GFCI to its usable state. Press hard until you hear a click.
- If power doesn’t stop when you press TEST or come back on when you press RESET, then the GFCI is faulty and needs to be replaced.
“Like any device, GFCIs will wear out over time or fail without showing obvious signs,” says Daniel Vasilevski, director of Bright Force Electrical. “This is why you should test them, especially in older homes or in areas where moisture is more frequent. If you find a bad one, this is not something you should ignore because a malfunctioning GFCI cannot protect you from electrical shocks.”
Also note that if a GFCI trips, it can shut off power not just to the outlet but often to other outlets connected downstream in the circuit, says Vasilevski. “If you have multiple outlets not working, check for a tripped GFCI before assuming there is a bigger issue,” he says.
Step 2
Option 2: Test with GFCI tester
- Purchase a receptacle tester that has GFCI testing capability.
- Not all testers will indicate GFCI status, so check the package.
Step 3
Insert tester into receptacle
- Plug tester into the receptacle, just as you would plug in an appliance.
- Two lights (of three) on the tester should go on, indicating the receptacle is correctly wired.
- There will be a legend on the tester telling you what the lights mean.
- Digital testers may have different indicators. Follow instructions for your individual tester.
- If the lights do not come on, remove tester and press the RESET button on the receptacle.
- Insert tester again.
- If the lights indicating correct wiring still do not come on, or show incorrect wiring, investigate or replace.
Step 4
Test GFCI
- Press the button on the tester.
- You should immediately hear a click, and the lights on the tester and receptacle will go off.
- If nothing happens when you press the button, the GFCI is bad and must be replaced.
Step 5
Reset GFCI
- Reset the GFCI by pressing the RESET button.
- Press hard until you feel a click.
- Check that the indicator light(s) came back on.
What To Do If the GFCI Is Bad
If the GFCI is bad, the first thing you should do is stop using the outlet. Unplug any devices or appliances connected to it and avoid attempting to reset it repeatedly, says Vasilevski.
If you are experienced with electrical work, you can probably replace it yourself, using a similar GFCI outlet. Make sure to safely disconnect the power and then ensure the new one is wired correctly and grounded.
“GFCI’s are very important to keep you from being shocked, so should never be substituted with a normal outlet,” says Todd Tripp, a home improvement expert with JustAnswer.
If you are not confident with handling electricity, it’s best to call an electrician.
“Incorrectly replacing a GFCI outlet will lead to improper wiring, grounding issues or even a risk of fire,” says Vasilevski. “A professional will also test the outlet as well and check the circuit to make sure there are no underlying issues that may have caused the GFCI to fail in the first place.”
About the Experts
- Daniel Mock is vice president of operations at Mister Sparky, and he has more than 15 years of experience in home services and the electrical sector.
- Daniel Vasilevski is director and owner of Bright Force Electrical and has worked as an electrician for more than a decade.
- Todd Tripp is a general contractor and founder of Trip Mills Builders in upstate South Carolina, and a home improvement expert with JustAnswer.
