Safety · high safety risk
Test GFCI receptacles
Use built-in test and reset controls to confirm accessible GFCI receptacles interrupt power.
- How often
- Monthly and after a power failure
- Time
- 15 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Editorial status
- Awaiting human review
Before you begin
Tools
- Small lamp, when the manufacturer or CPSC procedure calls for one
How to do it
- Read the device or manufacturer test instructions and make sure the area and your hands are dry.
- For a receptacle-type GFCI, use the TEST control and confirm the protected receptacle loses power as directed.
- Use RESET and confirm power returns; remember that downstream receptacles may also be protected.
- Record any device that does not trip, reset, or behave as labeled and stop using that outlet.
Stop and get help when
- Sparking
- Heat or burning odor
- Cracked or wet receptacle
- TEST does not interrupt power
- RESET will not hold
Stop using the receptacle and contact a qualified electrician when a GFCI fails its test, will not reset, is damaged, or shows heat, odor, moisture, or sparking.
Sources and review
Written by Upkeeping editorial team. This draft is awaiting human subject-matter and safety review and is not eligible for search indexing.