GFCI Reset and Circuit Breaker Reset

With the unpredictable spring weather, it is always a good time to review what to do when you have a tripped circuit breaker or need a GFCI reset.  GFCI (short for “ground fault circuit interrupter”) outlets, those unusual outlets with the test and reset buttons, are required in areas of the house where shock hazards are greatest. How GFCI works is they protect against deadly electrical shocks by sensing leaks in the electrical current and immediately tripping to shut off the power.

But it’s easy to overlook a tripped GFCI as the source of a dead outlet problem. That’s because in areas where GFCI-protected outlets are required, electricians often save money by connecting additional standard outlets to one GFCI outlet.  Protected “downstream” receptacle should be labeled if they have GFCI protection. A current leak at any one of the outlets will trip the GFCI and cause all of the outlets connected to it to go dead. These GFCI-protected outlets are supposed to be labeled, but the label often falls off.  This makes locating the outlet that is the source of the problem a game of hide and seek.  Once you find one that is tripped, it is really simple to do a GFCI reset.

GFCI Reset

Step 1: Locate the affected GFCI outlet.  It should have both a “test” and “reset” button on the face of the plate.  If the GFCI needs to be reset, you will notice that the “reset” button is protruding from the outlet.

Step 2: Unplug your electronics.  Turn off or unplug all appliances that are connected to the outlet as you don’t want to harm them during the reset.

Step 3: Push the “reset” button.

Step 4: Check the outlet.  Plug in or turn on your appliances to check for a flow of electricity.  They should now work. If not, the problem may lie with your home’s circuit breaker.

How to reset a circuit breaker

Chances are at some point you will experience a tripped circuit in your home.  There are simple steps to resetting a tripped circuit.

Step 1:  Check your box.  The electrical service panel is usually located in the garage, on the side of your home or in the basement.

Step 2: Open the service box and located the tripped breaker.  You will notice that the affected breaker is an “off” position.  In order to reset it, you need to ensure that it is fully turned to the off position.  Once that has been completed, flip it completely on and power should be restored.