Our team at Tarter Brothers Mechanical, Inc. aims to shed light on the crucial significance of GFCI outlets. In this comprehensive blog, we’ll address frequently asked questions surrounding GFCI outlets, providing you with valuable insights to enhance your understanding. GFCI outlets play a pivotal role in safeguarding homes by preventing electrical shocks and minimizing fire risks. As experts in the field, we’re here to unravel the mysteries surrounding these outlets, empowering you with knowledge to make informed decisions about their installation and maintenance. Let us help to ensure the safety and well-being of your household.
What is a GFCI Outlet, and What Does it Do?
GFCI outlets, also known as “ground fault circuit interrupters,” are specifically designed to shield individuals from electrical shock. Easily identifiable, GFCI outlets can be distinguished by the “test” and “reset” buttons on their faceplate. These outlets play a pivotal role in preventing severe electric shock and mitigating the risk of electrical fires. They achieve this by actively monitoring electrical current, promptly cutting power, or “tripping” when an imbalance or excess current flow is detected along an unintended path. Exceptionally sensitive and boasting a significantly faster response time compared to circuit breakers or fuses, GFCIs are engineered to react before electricity can impact your heartbeat —in as little as one-thirtieth of a second. Notably, they are effective even in outlets lacking grounding. Affordable and straightforward to install, GFCI outlets are indispensable for ensuring safety and are mandated in today’s homes by the National Electrical Code.
My GFCI Outlet Makes a Weird Buzzing Noise—Is it Dangerous?
The humming sound emanating from a GFCI outlet can stem from various factors, with one of the most prevalent being a recent reset. GFCI outlets feature two buttons positioned between the receptacles, distinctly labeled as “test” and “reset.” Resetting your GFCI may become necessary for several reasons, typically for benign occurrences such as a tripped power supply. If you haven’t initiated a reset recently, or the persistent buzzing persists, it may indicate a more substantial issue, such as improper installation or faulty wiring connected to your outlet. If the buzzing persists independently of a reset, it is advisable to enlist the expertise of a local electrician for a more comprehensive investigation.
What Do I Do if My GFCI Outlet Can’t Keep Plugs In?
Prior to taking any action, ensure that the circuit for the outlet is switched off at the panel box. Then, you can investigate the reasons why your outlet might be impeding the insertion of plugs. A frequent offender is the tamper-resistant GFCI outlet, strategically crafted to prevent the entry of debris and foreign objects. On occasions, the covers within the outlet may become jammed, causing them to resist the insertion of plugs. In the case of a brand-new outlet, the initial challenge of plugging items in may arise, but this inconvenience should diminish over time.
MY GFCI Trips Randomly—Do I Need to Replace It?
Your GFCI is engineered to trip in the presence of a circuit fault. Nevertheless, if it’s tripping without apparent cause, it could indicate a more significant underlying problem. Common culprits for these “random” trips include moisture or water infiltrating the outlet box, malfunctioning appliances exerting excessive load on circuits, and flawed wiring systems. If moisture is identified in the receptacle box, a potential remedy involves devising ways to prevent water entrance. However, when the root cause is an overloaded circuit or faulty wiring, it signifies a more serious issue, potentially necessitating the replacement of either the outlet or the appliance.
What Should I Do if My GFCI Keeps Tripping When It Rains?
If an outdoor outlet is tripping due to moisture, the likely course of action is to replace the outlet cover. Outdoor outlets mandate coverage to prevent moisture from entering. If your outlet is tripping because of added moisture, it signals a potential issue with the cover seal’s effectiveness. Should your roof exhibit a leak or if there’s any damage to your wiring, moisture infiltration can adversely affect the wiring, leading to circuit overload and triggering your GFCI.
Why is MY GFCI Outlet Tripping with Nothing Plugged In?
If your GFCI consistently trips, even in the absence of any plugged-in devices, there is a high likelihood that the problem stems from a faulty GFCI outlet or a critical wiring issue. In the case of wiring-related concerns, it is imperative to promptly seek the expertise of a qualified electrician for immediate resolution. Swiftly addressing such issues is crucial to maintaining the safety and functionality of your electrical system. Trust our experts at Tarter Brothers Mechanical, Inc. for a thorough examination, and we’ll determine the source of the issue.
Can a GFCI Outlet Go Bad?
Yes. Due to the metallic components present in outlets, the possibility of corrosion, particularly in exterior outlets, always exists. Regardless of whether an outlet is a GFCI, it is advisable to consider replacement over time. For a secure and accurate installation, we suggest engaging the services of a nearby professional to guarantee proper installation. Inadequate installation poses the risk of electrical hazards and may result in higher costs in the long term. Contact our team today for superior electrical services.
Trust Tarter Brothers Mechanical, Inc. with All Your GFCI Issues
While the idea of independently attempting outlet replacement may be appealing, improper installation carries the risk of causing more severe electrical issues. Reach out to the experts at your nearby Tarter Brothers Mechanical, Inc. to save yourself both time and potential complications. Our team can proficiently install your new outlets, conduct a thorough system inspection, and recommend upgrades to enhance your and your family’s safety. To initiate the process, call our team now!
Lincoln, IL location: 217.735.4117 | Topeka, IL location: 309.543.4060 | Delavan, IL location: 309.244.8000
