A GFI outlet protects you from experiencing an electrical shock. Because electricity constantly searches for the ground, you could be seriously or even fatally shocked if you find yourself in the middle. Accordingly, a GFI is built into an outlet or the device’s plug itself. The outlet constantly monitors how much power is going to the device. After the circuit is interrupted for any reason, the GFI immediately cuts the power to it.

To tell if an outlet has GFI, look for test and reset buttons. If the outlet has tripped and shut off the device, just hit the reset button to get it working again

How does a GFI outlet work?

If you’ve ever got an electrical shock, even a small one, you may be cautious when working with electricity. You don’t need to be an electrician to be at risk. Each year, there are news stories about the tragic accidents that can come from dropping hair dryers or other electronic devices into bathtubs. However, the advent of GFI outlets has majorly reduced the number of fatal electrocutions each year in the U.S.

When should you replace a GFI outlet?

Your GFI outlet can malfunction and it could put you at risk of a shock. When this happens, hire an electrician to test and replace the outlet. Replace your outlets around once a decade to compensate for the wear and tear they go through.

But how do you know if your outlet is working correctly? You don’t need to be an electrician to perform a quick check-up on your outlets.

Just hit the test button. It should light up or make a short beep to indicate it’s working. To confirm that it’s not just a glitch, press the reset button, then try the test button again. If the test button still doesn’t work, contact an electrician to talk about your replacement options.