Have you ever experienced an outlet or light suddenly stop working and immediately thought, “This is going to cost me a fortune”? At PowerHaus Electrical Services, LLC, we’re here to share a simple, money-saving tip that could save you from unnecessary service calls: check your GFCI outlets.
As part of our commitment to empowering homeowners, PowerHaus is offering a Free Electrical advice for all who need assistance identifying and resetting their GFCI outlets. Before you make a service call, let’s break down what a GFCI outlet is, why it’s important, and how it can save you money.
What is a GFCI Outlet and what does it do?
GFCI stands for Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter. These outlets are safety devices designed to protect you from electrical shock by monitoring the flow of electricity through a circuit. If the GFCI detects an imbalance, like electricity flowing through water or a person, it instantly shuts off the power to prevent harm.
You’ll often find GFCI outlets in areas where water is present, like bathrooms, kitchens, garages, and outdoor spaces. They’re easily recognizable by their “Test” and “Reset” buttons. When a GFCI trips, it cuts off power to the outlet it’s protecting—and potentially other outlets or lights on the same circuit.
Why Checking Your GFCI Can Save You Money
Many homeowners are unaware that a tripped GFCI can cause outlets or lights to stop working in unexpected areas of the house. While GFCI outlets are designed to protect nearby circuits, they can sometimes control outlets or fixtures on the other side of a wall or even on another floor.
Imagine this scenario: You’re preparing dinner, and suddenly, your kitchen outlets stop working. After checking the breakers and scratching your head, you might be tempted to call an electrician. But did you check the GFCI outlet in your bathroom or garage?
This is where our Free GFCI Advice comes in. Many service calls we receive are for “broken” outlets or lights that are actually just connected to a tripped GFCI. By simply locating and resetting it, you could avoid hundreds of dollars in diagnostic and repair costs.
GFCI Outlet
GFCI Breaker
Electrical Panel
How to Check and Reset a GFCI Outlet
- 1. Locate all GFCI outlets in your home—Start with bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, basements, and garages.
- 2. Press the “Reset” button—If the outlet has tripped, pressing the “Reset” button should restore power.
*Bonus tip: You may need to also check the electrical panel to see if you have a GFCI protected breaker installed which may have tripped and similarly can be reset without issue.
- 3. Test the affected area—Check if the outlet or light that wasn’t working is back in service.
- 4. Still No Luck? Call PowerHaus!—If you have an electrical issue, our team of experienced electricians can’t wait to come out and solve your problem for you.
Why choose PowerHaus Electrical Services?
At PowerHaus Electrical Services, LLC, we’re more than electricians—we’re your partners in home safety and efficiency. Our team prides itself on honesty, reliability, and customer education. We don’t just fix problems; we help you prevent them.
So, the next time an outlet or light stops working, remember this tip: check your GFCI outlets first. And if you’re unsure, call PowerHaus for your free GFCI advice. Let’s keep your home running smoothly—and your wallet intact! Contact us today to schedule your free GFCI assessment. PowerHaus Electrical Services: Lighting the way to smarter, safer homes.