How-to: Resetting your GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) Electrical Outlet

This is a typical GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) electrical outlet. They are found in all wet areas of the home, such as bathrooms and kitchens. A GFCI outlet essentially acts as an intermediary fuse for a localized set of outlets.

In the case of a kitchen, one GFCI outlet will typically be tied to other outlets in the kitchen, like the ones on the countertop. If these outlets trip, a simple reset on the face of the GFCI outlet is all that’s required to get them operational again.

On the GFCI outlet, you’ll notice two buttons: “Test” on the bottom and “Reset” above it. If your outlet trips, all you need to do is press the “Reset” button. You can also test the outlet’s operation by pressing the “Test” button, which should immediately cause the “Reset” button to click out. This indicates the outlet is working properly. When operational, you will also see the red LED light on the outlet lit up.

In bathrooms, you might experience a situation where, for example, your hair dryer stops working while using it in the main or ensuite bathroom on the second floor. If this happens, the first thing to check is the GFCI outlet located in the powder room on the ground floor, as it is likely that this outlet has tripped and needs to be reset.