Electricity is necessary for so many of our daily activities. However, very few people understand the basics of how it works in their own homes. If you’ve ever wondered about your home’s electrical outlets, specifically those with the buttons that read “test” and “reset,” here’s an explanation to help you understand more about how your electrical system operates.

Explaining Your Outlets’ Test & Reset Buttons

How GFCI Outlets Work

These outlets are called ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI). They are most commonly found in kitchens and bathrooms but can be located anywhere throughout a home or business. When electricity flows through an outlet into a device that you have plugged in, the current travels in through one prong and then back into your electrical wiring through the other. However, electric currents can also travel through different carriers, like water. If the cord or electrical device is exposed to water or another material that conducts electricity, this type of outlet will notice that the current is no longer traveling back through the other prong and shut it down immediately.

Why They Are Important

The purpose behind this type of outlet is to quickly stop or limit the chance of electrocution or shock incidents. Electricity naturally travels through whatever conductor can get it to the ground quickest, so if there’s an exposed wire or a cord exposed to water, it could be hazardous without this specific feature. In traditional wiring systems, the primary safety net in place is the breaker system, which shuts down power if wires start to overheat, but this can take a lot of time. GFCI’s monitor electric currents in real-time, so they can shut down the power right away if there are any issues, like if you drop a hairdryer into the water. Then the buttons can be used to restore power to the outlet once the issue is resolved.

To learn more about the electricity in your home and to make sure the proper safety precautions are in place, contact Piedmont Electric Repair Company in High Point, NC. This local electrician has been serving both residential and commercial customers throughout the Piedmont Triad area since 1936. The team is incredibly knowledgeable and uses high-quality wiring to ensure that all of your electrical work functions efficiently and safely. They will evaluate your home and determine where GFCI outlets would be beneficial. To view a full list of electrical services offered, visit the company’s website. To request assistance, call (336) 889-0222.