Most new houses require GFCI outlets in certain rooms, though they were once uncommonly used. They’re helpful because they reduce electricity dangers like sparks and fire when you plug in a device or appliance. Since they make dealing with outlets safer, it makes sense to have them in your Wheat Ridge home, even if you’re in an older house.
But do GFCI outlets go bad in Wheat Ridge homes? They do, which is why you should call Salzano Services to come check your outlets periodically to make sure they’re still in good condition or replace the ones that have expired.
What Is a GFCI Outlet?
If you’ve ever seen an outlet with two buttons in a Wheat Ridge home, you’re familiar with the GFCI outlet or ground-fault circuit interrupters. These outlets were first meant to be used in locations where it was risky to keep them, like in kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor areas where water or outdoor elements may hit them. You might see them in every room in new houses, though the National Electric Code (NEC) only requires them in basements, crawl spaces, and garages.
These outlets feature two buttons on them: test and reset. You can use these buttons to determine whether the outlet receives power or not. When you’re having electrical problems, they make it easy to see where the problem starts and ends because you can test each outlet. You can also reset them to make them work again after tripping.
Do GFCI Outlets Go Bad?
GFCI outlets can go bad in Wheat Ridge homes, just like any other electrical outlet. These outlets typically last about 10 years. Once they get this old, call us at Salzano Services to either test or replace your outlets.
Reasons They Trip
GFCI outlets start tripping frequently when they have one or more of these problems:
- Wiring Problems: The wires inside the outlet may have been damaged or frayed.
- Moisture: Outlets can stop working if they collect moisture inside them. This is more common in outlets around wet areas like pools and bathrooms.
- Overload or Leakage: If the outlet detects an overload or leaking current, it will trip.
- Bad Outlet: Sometimes faulty outlets start tripping for no clear reason. It could be a simple malfunction, or it might be due to wear and tear if the outlet has been around for a while.
Although these outlets are safer options, constant tripping can lead to serious problems. Don’t use your outlet if you notice sparks or smoke coming from them, as this means they could become a potential fire hazard.
Reasons They Stop Working
Why do GFCI outlets go bad? Some of the reasons outlets start tripping can turn into reasons the outlets stop working altogether:
- Constant Tripping: Outlets that don’t stop tripping are at the end of their lives and should be replaced.
- Overload: An overloaded circuit can cause the outlet to stop working if it’s bad enough. You can prevent this by only plugging in what you’re actively using. If you have to use multiple appliances or devices at once, try to find separate outlets to use.
- Reset Not Working: If the reset button doesn’t work anymore, it’s time to replace the entire outlet.
- Exposure to the Elements: If your outlet has been exposed to harsh chemicals, sunlight, moisture, or excessive heat, it could cause the lifespan to shorten significantly and stop working. Indoor outlets in bedrooms and living rooms will likely last longer than those installed near showers or on sunny patios.
Salzano Services Tests Outlets in Wheat Ridge Homes
Wheat Ridge’s trusted electrician can test your GFCI outlets to determine why they’re tripping and if they should be replaced. Call us any time your outlets give you trouble, and we’ll solve your problems quickly.
If you’re handy and don’t mind working with electrical outlets, you can test outlets yourself. You’ll need a GFCI tester, which you can find at any hardware store. Be sure to follow the guidelines provided by your tester kit so you don’t hurt yourself. When in doubt, call Salzano Services out!
Wheat Ridge Homeowners Should Call Salzano Services
Do GFCI outlets go bad? Unfortunately, they do. Call us out to your home in Wheat Ridge and we’ll be happy to test your outlets and replace them as needed. We can also take care of any other electrical problems that reveal themselves while we’re out, and even teach you things like what causes an electrical fire.
Call us at 303-273-9988 today for reliable services in Wheat Ridge, CO.