Is Your Bathroom GFCI Outlet a Problem

Signs that a Bathroom GFCI Outlet May Need to be Replaced:I flipped the breaker switch and repeated. Is there anything I can do?

Does Your GFI Outlet Need Replacing?
Electrical Question: I’ve been renting an apartment for a month. The GFCI outlet in my bathroom powered my hair straightener fine for several weeks.

• Last week after an earthquake it stopped powering that appliance. Other appliances still work fine when plugged into the GFCI – like my hair dryer, and the straightener works fine plugged into outlets in other rooms. It’s AC100-120v, 50/60Hz, 72W.
• I’ve tested and reset the GFCI. I flipped the breaker switch and repeated. Is there anything I can do? Is an appliance with this voltage not meant to work in a GFCI? Why would it work for weeks and then not work now?
  Any insight would be helpful.

This electrical question came from: Heather, from Washington, DC.

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Heather.

Bathroom GFCI Outlets

Signs that a Bathroom GFCI Outlet May Need to be Replaced

• When there is a problem that is happening with just one GFCI outlet then it may be time to replace that GFI with a new one.
• GFI outlets can wear out and  go bad without warning and the most obvious indication is that it will not RESET.
• The GFI TEST Button should be checked frequently as well, because another indication that the GFI outlet is bad is when it stays ON all the time and will not trip OFF – and that is dangerous!

Wiring GFI Outlets

GFCI Wiring
This list of articles will help you learn about the features and benefits provided by GFI and GFCI Receptacles and how they are wired.

Residential Electrical Outlet Wiring

Wiring Electrical Outlets for the Home

Home electrical wiring includes 110 volt outlets and 220 volt outlets and receptacles which are common place in every home. See how wiring electrical outlets for the home are done.

How to Install Bathroom Electrical Wiring

Bathroom Electrical Wiring

Fully Explained Photos and Wiring Diagrams for Bathroom Electrical Wiring with Code Requirements for most new or remodel projects.

The following may also be helpful for you:

Dave's Guide to Home Electrical Wiring: » You Can Avoid Costly Mistakes! « Wire It Right with the help of my Illustrated Wiring Book Great for any Home Wiring Project. Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring Perfect for Homeowners, Students, Handyman, Handy Women, and Electricians Includes: Wiring GFCI Outlets Wiring Home Electric Circuits 120 Volt and 240 Volt Outlet Circuits Wiring Light Switches Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Electric Range Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Dryer Cord and Dryer Outlet Troubleshoot and Repair Electrical Wiring Wiring Methods for Upgrading Electrical Wiring NEC Codes for Home Electrical Wiring ....and much more. Learn more about Home Electrical Wiring with my Online Video Course: Basic Home Electrical Wiring by Example

Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.

Electrical Tips to Help You Wire it Right The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires! The Non-Contact Electrical Tester This is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use. The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring! The Plug-In Outlet Tester This is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring. It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect Very handy and easy to use. Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire! The Wire Stripper and Wire Cutter My absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires. This handy tool has multiple uses: The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation. The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets.. The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use.

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