GFCI Outlet Repair: How to Fix it Yourself
GFCI outlets play an important roll in your home's electrical system. With additional built-in safety features, GFCI outlets are placed in higher-risk parts of your home. Specifically, a GFCI is necessary in areas where exposure to water is more likely. These areas include your kitchen, bathroom, laundry room, garage, and exterior of the home. The built-in fast-acting circuit breaker cuts power to the outlet within 1/40 of a second, helping to prevent serious electric shock.
When it comes to home electrical outlets, GFCI outlets are the cause of more calls to local electricians than regular outlets. This is because they are more complicated and more likely to get tripped or damaged due to their placement. Fortunately, most of the time the issue is simple and can be resolved by checking just a few easy things.
Loose Wire
When thinking you need a GFCI outlet repair, first check if there is a loose wire. Turn the breaker off, use a meter to confirm the outlet is safe, and remove the cover. Check the terminal screws and wires for a secure connection. If one is loose, tighten it down, replace the cover, and reengage the breaker. It might just be that simple.
Confirm There is Power
If you've hit the reset button on the GFCI and it still isn't working, you may not have power coming in to it. Check the breaker and make sure it hasn't tripped. If this still doesn't solve your problem, call an electrician. You may have a defective circuit interrupter, or reversed the line and load, or some other more complicated issue.
GFCI Outlet Has Gone Bad
At the end of it, your GFCI outlet may have simply gone bad. At this point, a GFCI outlet repair isn't really an option: you need a replacement. If you're a do-it-yourself pro, watch some videos on GFCI replacement, then get it done. If you're unsure how to proceed, call a pro.
Need a Pro Electrician to Check It Out?
We're standing by to help with your GFCI outlet repair or replacement. If you're outlet simply isn't working, give us a call. We'd love to help.