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Testing GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) outlets for safety

House Doctor | Gary Dymski

January 26, 2006

Make sure GFCIs are faultless

Now's a good time to test GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) outlets. These special electric receptacles - found in kitchens, bathrooms and outdoors - are designed to prevent electrocution or shock from "ground faults," which occur when a current from an appliance or electrical device strays outside its normal path.

This happens when electricity is leaking, or escaping, to the ground.

There are two ways to test: One is to buy a small device called an electrical tester (pictured) for about $15 at hardware stores and home centers. Another is to use a night light or a lamp and take the following steps:

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Push the "reset" button on the GFCI receptacle.

Plug in the light or lamp and turn it on. The light should be on.

Push the "test" button of the GFCI. The light should turn off.

Push the "reset" button again. The light should go on again.

The light should always go off when the test button is depressed. If it does not go out, the GFCI either is defective or has been installed incorrectly. Have it replaced or repaired.

More on GFCI testing and safety can be found at the Web site of the Electrical Safety Foundation International (www.ESFI.org).