![]() The presence of visible damage to the GFCI outlet that exposes bare wire is a sure sign that it needs replacement.Ī circuit breaker on your electrical panel that trips constantly because of a GFI plug could also be a sure indicator that it needs to be replaced. If you notice that you are repeatedly testing and resetting your GFCI, this is a sign that it isn’t functioning correctly and needs to be replaced. Use the GFCI’s test and reset buttons to restore electricity to it if it trips. ![]() If installed correctly, GFCI outlets can last between 15 and 25 years, depending on how frequently they are used. How to Tell if You Need to Replace a GFCI It instantly turns off the flow of power if it senses any change in the current flow in the electrical circuit.įor instance, if you are using a hair curler and it falls into a sink of water, the GFCI outlet detects an interruption of the current flow and instantly shuts off the power, ensuring that the current flow in the water does not harm you. Two holes are for the hot and neutral wires, and one in the center is for the ground wire. How Does a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter Work? It is important to note that GFCI outlets are not used to replace a circuit breaker and offers no protection against overloading and short circuits. Therefore, to prevent this from happening, the GFCI outlet turns off the power when it detects a current change. to protect against shock should an appliance fall into the water.Įlectricity can pass through water, and as soon as you come into contact with the water, you can experience shock, which can sometimes be fatal. The National Electrical Code (NEC) requires that home and building owners install these outlets in damp or wet areas such as the kitchen, laundry room, and bathroom. If the amount of current leaving the outlet is different from the amount of current entering the out, this device can shut off, essentially breaking the circuit. Keep reading! What Is a GFCI Outlet?Ī GFCI, or ground fault circuit interrupter, is an outlet that constantly analyzes the amount of current running through it. This article discusses everything you need to know about how to replace a GFCI safely. As with all electrical problems, it is never advisable to tackle GFCI replacements on your own without the relevant expertise, as doing so could expose you and your family to significant risk. If you have a broken or damaged ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlet, you may be wondering how to replace it. These outlets, which usually have test and reset buttons on them, are generally found in bathrooms or kitchens, have an essential function in your home’s electrical system. You may have noticed that a few electrical outlets in your home look different than others.
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