Modern building codes require installing GFCI outlets in commercial and residential structures in areas posing the greatest electrical shock risk, including garages, bathrooms, and kitchens. You can identify a GFCI outlet by the “Test” and “Reset” buttons on its receptacle. Mr. Electric of Houston Midtown urges property owners to invest in GFCI outlets to ensure their houses and buildings stay up to code and improve their electrical safety to prevent shocks, fires, injuries, and further damage. These essential outlets monitor the electricity flowing through your circuit to safeguard you and your electronic devices against electrical hazards. The GFCI immediately cuts power to your outlet if it detects an electricity flow imbalance. Our talented technicians’ honed skills and years of expertise let them carefully install these outlets with quick and thorough work. This expertise and skill set ensures you have adequate protection against harm and damage.

After Mr. Electric of Houston Midtown finishes installing your electrical outlets, you’ll find that using your new outlets is fairly simple. If we install a new GFCI outlet at your property, you’ll notice there aren’t many differences between using a GFCI outlet and any standard electrical outlet. If your GFCI power outlet cuts power flow while operating normally and in regular conditions, all you need to do is press the "Reset" button to restore power to it. These outlets are substantially more dependable than leaving it up to your electrical panel’s circuit breaker to detect an electricity imbalance and cut the current flow to your electrical system. GFCI outlets are much more sensitive to minor current variations and react as soon as they detect them. In fact, manufacturers design GFCI outlets to shut off power flow before an electric shock can impact your heartbeat if one happens. This vital safety function ensures you get adequate protection for your life and well-being. With that said, you must test all your home's GFCI outlets every month to verify they function properly.

Testing your GFCI outlet performance is simple, and any person can complete it. However, similar to any other service regarding your electrical system, you must complete all steps carefully and never perge from the proper steps or professional instructions. Mr. Electric of Houston Midtown’s highly trained and seasoned electrical technicians can explain the process during a scheduled appointment at your home or over the phone. We’ve outlined the following simple steps below for you to test your GFCI outlet and check its performance. You’re always welcome to contact us to schedule GFCI replacement services if your outlet fails any of the steps while testing it:

1. Stop the electrical flow by pressing the “Test” button on your receptacle.
2. Plug in a night light or another small electrical device requiring minimal power to operate to verify your receptacle has no current flowing through it.
3. You can press the “Reset” button to restore your outlet’s power flow.