Test GFCI outlets
Short answer
Press TEST on each GFCI outlet every six months to confirm it cuts power, then press RESET to restore it.
Why It Matters
GFCI outlets protect against shock in wet areas. They can fail silently, and testing is the only way to confirm they still trip.
Tools
- Lamp or small plug-in device (optional)
How to Do It
- Locate every GFCI outlet in your home, typically found in bathrooms, kitchens, garages, and outdoor areas.
- Plug a lamp or small device into the outlet before pressing TEST if you want a visible confirmation that power has dropped.
- Press the TEST button on the outlet and confirm that power to the outlet (and any downstream outlets on the same circuit) cuts off.
- Press the RESET button to restore power and confirm the outlet is working normally again.
- If pressing TEST does not trip the outlet, the GFCI has failed silently and the outlet should be replaced.
Related Tasks
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