Why do some electrical sockets have a reset button?

 

As a homeowner or as a viewer of old detective movies, you probably know that water and electricity don't mix. What you may not know is that modern domestic electrical sockets are specifically designed to protect you and your property from electrical accidents. 

Sockets in the bathroom and kitchen, or anywhere else where electricity and moisture are in close proximity, are ground fault circuit interrupters (or GFCIs) and are equipped with 'test' and 'reset' buttons. What exactly does this mean and what are these buttons used for?

What is a GFCI?

First of all, let's look at what GFCIs are. In our article GFCIs or AFCIs: what they are and which is the right one for you, we went into more detail. 

The basic thing to know is that electric current always follows the path of least resistance to earth. When electricity deviates from its intended path because it finds a better conductor, such as water, a GFCI device protects against an earth fault. It does this by automatically detecting anomalies in the flow of electricity and interrupting the flow of electricity if it detects a danger, a process that occurs within milliseconds.

Since the main cause of earth faults is moisture or water in the socket, GFCI devices are needed in all areas prone to moisture or the possibility of getting wet, such as bathrooms and kitchens.

Other examples of places where GFCI sockets need to be installed are: 

• Outdoor sockets, e.g. on a veranda or terrace 
• Pool houses 
• Laundry rooms 
• Unfinished basements

A GFCI socket is an important safety element in a home, because if stray electricity encounters you or something you touch that has been energized, you will receive an electric shock, which could be fatal. 

What are test and reset buttons for?

The test and reset buttons on GFCI sockets are designed to ensure that the socket is in good working order. Although modern sockets are checked all the time, it is still a good idea to test them from time to time to make sure they work. 

To test the GFCI socket, simply press the test button for five seconds. The socket should lose power and the reset button should come out. This means that the GFCI is working properly. Press the reset button again and you are ready to use the socket.

If an event occurs that triggers the GFCI socket, e.g. an overload of the circuit (think of a hair dryer and a heater at the same time), the reset button allows the flow of electricity to be restored after the problem has been solved. 

To reset the circuit, unplug the plug from the socket and press the reset button. It should now be possible to resume using the socket. If the reset button reopens as soon as you press it, you may need to replace the socket or call an electrician.

What happens if the reset button does not work?

If the reset button does not come out when the test button is pressed, the unit is not working properly and must be replaced. 

Call the Emergency Electrician in Manchester. We are available around the clock.