![]() ![]() No matter what you do you cannot reset the receptacle so you might as well have it replaced. This means it’s time to replace the receptacle. When you see a flashing red light on the GFCI receptacle. Why Is It Flashing Red?Īlthough all GFCI receptacle models are a little bit different and how they tell you they’re working, one thing seems to be common between all of them. The GFCI detects voltage to ground protect you from getting electrocuted. This includes kitchen countertops, bathroom sinks, whirlpool tub’s, swimming pools and outdoor receptacles.īasically anywhere moisture can get out the receptacle you need to have a GFCI. ![]() You are required by code to have a GFCI protected receptacle either a GFCI or GFCI breaker protecting the receptacle within 1.5 m of any water source. ![]() This also applies for all kinds of lights including garden lights, low-voltage lights and transformers that runs the low-voltage lights when gets wet will cause a GFCI the trip. If you have any kinds of cords plugged into the GFCI outlet this can also cause it to trip if the GFCI is outdoors.Īny bit of water that gets an extension cord to pick up moisture and causes a trip. This is common with outdoor GFCI receptacles which is why we prefer to use a GFCI breaker. If you have moisture right inside the GFCI receptacle then you could be in a situation where you have to replace it. You’ll need to get it dried reset it, otherwise it will just keep tripping. These outlets detect any type of moisture which could be from the air or water seeping into the outlet. If a GFCI receptacle keeps tripping it could be for a number of different reasons however the most common reason would be moisture detection. Keep in mind that not all GFCI’s are equal and they all have different features. Once the power is turned on inside the GFCI receptacle then you can depress the reset button and make it work for the first time.Īfter this has been done if you get a power bump or a power loss you can hit test and reset button. ![]() When you install a GFCI receptacle for the first time you cannot test or reset it until you turn the power on. The answer to that question is yes and no. Plus it’s much nicer to reset the breaker in your panel then it is to go outside. It will also save you having to worry about the outlet getting wet. Preferably if you have a number of outside plugs, say six or more than you are better off to get a GFCI breaker.įirstly you do not have to worry about moisture getting into the GFCI. The problem is a GFCI breaker is about $80 and an outlet is only about $20. Yes a GFCI breaker is better than the outlet. This can often protect a number of circuits. It is a better solution instead of rewiring the whole home. We are permitted by our inspection authority to use these. We often use these to bring home up to code because it acts like a false ground. This type of GFCI also protects non grounded circuits. We often put these next to the consumers panel or possibly in the basement. We often use is on 120 volt loads like small hot tubs or anything around moisture that needs GFCI protection.Īs mentioned above if you have other receptacles that do not have a reset button look for this type of GFCI. This is a cheaper method for us to install instead of a GFCI breaker breaker. The actual faceless GFCI looks like a receptacle but the face is flat with just reset the test button. It is simply just a pass-through for GFCI protection. Though GFCI is more commonly used than GFI, the terms are interchangeable.A faceless GFCI is the same as a regular GFCI however it has no place to plug anything in. Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) and ground fault interrupters (GFI) are the exact same device under slightly different names. Is there a difference between GFI and GFCI? This can be caused by water, wires touching, dust or debris, etc. This leakage is caused by a hot wire touching the ground somewhere on the electrical line such as an appliance or even the outlet itself. If the GFCI detects a ground fault leakage of 5mA it will trip. This indicates the GFCI outlet is functioning properly. The GFCI’s “RESET” button should pop out AND the light should go out. The lamp light should be ON, then, press the “TEST” button on the GFCI which will trip the outlet and break the circuit. To test the GFCI outlet first plug a lamp into the outlet. When a GFCI trips, it won’t supply power, so your hair dryer or power saw won’t work, and if a tripped GFCI is at the beginning of a circuit, it will cut power to the entire circuit, so other outlets and lights on the circuit won’t work either. ![]()
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