What are GFI Receptacles?

We’ve probably all seen the receptacles in most new homes, hotels, and hospital bathrooms. They have two small buttons between the plug holes, which say "Reset" and "Test." These buttons are now required by electrical code in bathrooms, kitchens, outdoor receptacles, as well as near swimming pools. They’re called GFI, or ground fault interrupter, receptacles and they’re being required more often than not because they help keep freak electrical accidents from occurring and causing someone to get injured.

Basically these GFI receptacles protect a person from being shocked. They interrupt the power and stop the current from flowing.

The "Test" button is there so you can test to be sure the ground fault receptacle is working as it should be.  You should test these receptacles once a month.

Once the "Test" button has been pressed, the GFI receptacle won't work and anything that’s plugged into the GFI receptacle won’t turn on. What the “Test” button actually does is cause a little difference between the "hot" and "neutral" currents; mimicing the scenario of a fault to ground. Once you’ve finished testing it, simply press the "Reset" button and the GFI receptacle will resume its normal functions, meaning anything that’s plugged into it will work as it should.

Common places to find GFI receptacles are:

• Basements
• Garages
• Kitchens
• Bathrooms
• Outside

If you want to have these receptacles installed in your home, be sure to call a professional electrician, as it is very important that any electrical work be done correctly. In most places it’s not just a good idea to hire a professional electrician, but is required by law for anyone who does any electrical upgrading or installation to be certified.