GFCI outlets are designed to keep you safe, protecting you and your home from electrical shock, fire hazards, and electrocution. If your GFCI outlet’s not working, the outlet can no longer stop these dangers. It’s risky to delay fixing bad GFCI outlets, which is why it’s always recommended to schedule repairs with a qualified electrician as soon as you notice something’s wrong.
At One Source Home Service, our electricians are available now for electrical repairs, inspections, and replacement services in Colorado Springs and the surrounding communities, with same-day repairs that’ll keep you and your family safe and protect your property from electrical fire damage. In this blog, you will learn about the signs of a bad GFCI outlet and when to contact us for electrical repair.
What Is a GFCI Outlet and Why Is It Important for Home Safety?
“GFCI” stands for “Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter.” These types of outlets were invented as an important safety feature and are now installed in most homes and buildings across the United States, usually in:
- Bathrooms
- Outdoor outlets
- Kitchens
- Garages
- Crawl spaces
- Unfinished basements
- Wet bar sinks
- Laundry rooms
- Pool or hot tub areas
These outlets are designed to protect you and your home against electrical shock and fires by quickly interrupting the power in the event of a ground fault, which is an unintentional path electricity takes to the ground, usually through an arc, damaged wire, moisture, or a “hot wire” contacting a grounded part.
If your GFCI outlet isn’t working correctly, contact One Source for emergency electrical assistance. We’ll ensure your outlet is safe and up to code again in no time.
How a GFCI Outlet Works To Protect You
What causes the GFCI outlet to trip is the change in electrical current. In most GFCI outlets, any difference of about 5 milliamperes (mA) will cause it to automatically cut power to that outlet, preventing disaster.
By instantly cutting power, the outlet protects you from coming in contact with electricity, may prevent damage to appliances, and can prevent heated wires from causing a fire in the walls.
Common Signs of a Blown or Bad GFCI Outlet
The following are some of the most common bad GFCI outlet symptoms to watch for if you suspect yours is faulty:
No power or lights on the GFCI indicator
If the GFCI outlet doesn’t power your devices or appliances and the indicator light isn’t on, the circuit isn’t powered. The most likely reason is that the circuit breaker has been tripped, but it could also indicate loose or improper wiring. Try resetting the breaker to see if it trips again. If nothing changes or if it continues tripping, call One Source for assistance.
The reset button won’t stay in
When the GFCI outlet reset is not working and the power won’t come back on, this is an indication that it needs electrical repair, as it may have been damaged or blown out. A One Source electrician will assess the problem and find the source before beginning repairs, so the issue is completely resolved.
Appliances connected to the outlet stop working
If an appliance plugged into a GFCI outlet stops working, test the outlet with a different device or appliance. There may be an electrical problem in the appliance itself, and the outlet is cutting the circuit as a safety precaution. You may also have tripped the circuit if too many devices were plugged in and running at once, in which case the GFCI will trip to prevent overheating. If the outlet itself is the issue, call One Source to schedule electrical repairs.
Burning smell or heat from the outlet
Never ignore burning smells, heat, sparking, or buzzing from your GFCI outlet, as these are signs of a serious electrical problem that could become a fire hazard. Turn the power off at the electrical panel circuit breaker, unplug all your devices, and then contact us for emergency GFCI repair right away. We’ll resolve the issue quickly, so you can feel safe plugging in your appliances and devices again.
Cracks or physical damage on the faceplate
Any physical damage to the GFCI outlet, such as cracks, chips, or burn marks on the faceplate, is a sign of serious issues that a professional electrician needs to investigate. Your home’s electrical system is powerful and requires immediate attention when things go wrong. Physical damage indicates the outlet needs prompt repair.
How To Test a GFCI Outlet Safely
Learning how to test your GFCI outlet is easy! Just follow these simple steps:
- Step one: Plug in a device that you know works, like a lamp, and turn it on.
- Step two: Push the “test” button on your GFCI outlet.
- Step three: Check that the power cuts off, turning off your device.
- Step four: Keeping the device plugged in, press the “reset” button.
- Step five: Check that the power has been restored to the device.
If the power doesn’t turn off after pushing “test” or the reset button doesn’t restore power, there’s an issue with the outlet, and it needs to be replaced.
When To Replace a Faulty GFCI Outlet
GFCI outlet replacement is always a good idea if you have any safety concerns. You should replace your GFCI outlet if:
- The reset button won’t stay down.
- The circuit keeps tripping.
- It fails your monthly test.
- There’s visible damage to the outlet.
- The self-test indicator light is on.
- It’s over 10 years old.
Common Causes of GFCI Outlet Failure
If your GFCI outlet has tripped, it could mean:
- There’s moisture in or around the outlet.
- The plugged-in appliance is faulty.
- There’s damaged wiring in the walls.
- Something is causing an imbalance in the electrical current.
- The circuit is overloaded.
- The GFCI outlet itself is faulty and needs to be replaced by a certified electrician.
If you ever feel like something is wrong with any part of your home’s electrical system, call One Source or schedule service online. We know how to fix GFCI outlets, and we’re happy to inspect your outlet, circuit breaker, and wiring to find the cause of GFCI outlet failure and then provide long-lasting, safe solutions.
How To Prevent GFCI Outlets from Going Bad
The following tips will help you prevent GFCI outlets from failing:
- Test your outlets monthly.
- Stop moisture from getting into the outlet.
- Install a proper cover over the outlet.
- Address any faulty wiring or potential problems as soon as you notice them.
Why You Should Call One Source Home Service for GFCI Inspection and Replacement
At One Source Home Service, we offer safe and convenient electrical services in The Springs, including:
- Electrical outlet repair
- Electrical panel installation and repair
- Wiring and rewiring
- Circuit breakers
- Lighting services
- EV charger installation
- Programmable thermostats
- Outlet and switch installations
- Electrical repairs
- And more
Contact One Source Home Service today to schedule an inspection, repair, or replacement of your home’s equipment by certified local Colorado Springs experts. One Source will deliver 5-star-rated solutions for your home’s heater, air conditioner, plumbing, and electrical systems.
