Category: Electrician Advice


Why is my GFCI outlet not working?

By Electrician NWA,

Blog about Why is my GFCI outlet not working.

Ground fault circuit interrupters, or GFCIs, can cut power to the entire outlet in certain circumstances. They are most often in locations like hallways, bedrooms, and kitchens.

GFCIs monitor the level of electricity traveling through a circuit. If too much power comes through, the GFCI shuts the circuit off. They are designed to respond to quick, high-voltage surges. Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters, inversely, respond to sustained, low-voltage surges. 

GFCIs are often placed in kitchens and bathrooms. These are places with lots of water. An electrical surge may occur if water comes into contact with an outlet.

Therefore, these outlets are critical. GFCIs can prevent fatal electrical shocks and dangerous electrical fires.

This is why it is vital to have fully-functional GFCI outlets.

However, they are not perfect and can sometimes stop working.
There are several reasons why this might happen. Here at Mister Sparky Electrician NWA, we’ve identified a few ways your GFCI can stop working and some remedies that may get it back in working order.
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