As one of the top local Orlando electrical repair companies, we’re here to provide you with more information on GFCI outlets. We can even install and repair them!
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets are crucial components in electrical systems, primarily designed to protect homes and businesses from electric shocks. You can usually find them installed in areas where electrical appliances could come in contact with water, like kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms. Their primary purpose is to monitor the flow of electricity and quickly shut off power in the event of an abnormality, like a ground fault or short circuit. This instant power block helps prevent potentially life-threatening electrical shocks and helps diffuse the risk of electrical fires.
If you’re wondering what one of these outlets looks like, they’re pretty easy to recognize, with a “test” or “reset” button on the face plate that is usually red or white. Three-prong outlets with GFCI protection will usually be labeled. These outlets can sense the difference in electricity levels and provide a low-resistance path for dangerous fault currents to return to the main panel. It will then trip the breaker and disable the fault. Orlando electrical repair companies are able to inspect, diagnose, and repair your GFCI outlets, so give us a call at Doc Watts and we can check it out for you if you’re seeing any issues.
Why Do GFCI Outlets Trip?
It’s not uncommon for GFCI outlets to trip occasionally, as they can be sensitive to some minor electrical imbalances. While it may be frustrating at times, this tripping is a vital safety feature since it protects you and your property from electrical hazards.
GFCI outlets are equipped with sensitive mechanisms that can detect a range of electrical abnormalities, leading to tripping in various scenarios, including:
- Ground-Fault Occurrence: GFCIs swiftly trip when they sense even a tiny current leakage, often due to unintended paths like water or contact with a person.
- Moisture in Receptacle Box: Accumulated moisture, common in outdoor GFCI outlets exposed to rain or humid environments, can lead to tripping.
- Overloaded Circuit: Circuit overload happens when more amperage flows than wires can handle, often due to malfunctioning appliances or loose wires.
- Electrical Fault: Consistent GFCI trips might result from faulty structural wiring or an outlet on the same circuit.
- Faulty GFCI Outlet: If all else fails, the GFCI outlet itself could be defective, typically due to wear on its sensitive internal circuitry.
If you find that your GFCI outlet is consistently tripping, give us a call, and one of our technicians will take a look and see what the problem is.
Troubleshooting GFCI Tripping
If you were to tackle any of the common GFCI issues mentioned above, there are potential fixes you can do yourself to reset the outlet before calling one of your local Orlando electrical repair companies. Start by unplugging all devices connected to the GFCI circuit and pressing the “reset” button. If it doesn’t trip when nothing is plugged in, plug in devices one by one to identify the culprit. If the GFCI continues to trip with no devices connected, it may indicate a ground fault within the wiring, which requires professional inspection and repair.
Preventing GFCI Trips
Preventing GFCI trips is essential for maintaining a safe and functional electrical system. To avoid common causes of tripping, ensure that all outdoor outlets are weatherproof and shielded from rain or moisture. Consistent maintenance by an electrical professional, such as cleaning and testing GFCI outlets, should be part of your routine to ensure they function correctly. Following these preventive measures can significantly reduce the risk of GFCI trips and help you enjoy a safer electrical system in your home.
Choose Doc Watts For Your GFCI Solutions
If you need open-ground outlet repair, reliable GFCI outlet wiring, or professional installation services, contact us today for a free quote! We take pride in our extensive experience, unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction, and unwavering dedication. As one of the leading Orlando electrical repair companies, we look forward to helping you, and remember… Call The Doc When You Have NO Watts!
