Pro Secrets Exposed: GFCI & GFI Outlets

[@christopherhathaway6767]

My GFCI outlet in the garage that was installed by the builder failed after less than five years. I watched your previous video regarding how to replace them and am glad I did as the LINE and LOAD positions on the new outlet were opposite what they were on the old outlet. I followed your instructions and it went very well and the new outlet is performing well. Thanks for your help.

[@TopHomeowner]

Glad to hear the video helped!

[@Sparky-ww5re]

I like your videos and subscribed-) clear and concise. Understanding how a GFCI offers shock protection, is very helpful when troubleshooting a GFCI that keeps tripping for no apparent reason. A classic example is shared neutrals. For instance, many homes built in the 70s and 80s, even as late as the mid 2000s when AFCI protection was gaining steam, have kitchens with multiwire circuits as a means to reduce labor and material costs while providing the required two 20 amp kitchen circuits. Typically this involves running a 12/3 w/G NM to the countertop receptacles, and either having them alternate between the black and red along the wall, or the tab on the hot side can be broken so as to split the top and bottom half of the receptacle on two different circuits. The GFCI will appear normal but as soon as two loads are connected to the black and red, the GFCI trips even though no hazard of shock exists. This is because a load on the other line causes an imbalance. The good news is, there are double pole GFCI breakers available, and can be used to provide this lifesaving protection in older kitchens, although they are less common, tend to be over $100 and may not be readily available at your brick and mortar stores

[@brendarose3941]

My outlet is in my master bathroom. My electric toothbrush won’t charge unless the bathroom light is on. Any suggestions? Thanks!

[@barrysuss4421]

0:49 how are people dying (besides touching or messing around with the wires while the wire is still live, sticking a metal object in the outlet)? Is it when they just go to unplug a cord or just touch the front of the outlet when there is a change in current?

[@MrDonhekel]

Does line always mean gfci is fed directly from the box, or could be from other sources chained to it ?

[@TopHomeowner]

It doesn't have to be directly from the box, it could also be from another receptacle, etc. It's just the terminals where the power should be coming into the GFCI

[@howtodoitdude1662]

GFCI should be on its own dedicated circuit, so yes, Line is fed directly from the panel. But don’t be surprised to find the line fed from another outlet.

[@ForbiddnSock]

I work at TopGolf and one of our targets flooded, including the GFCI‘s. Reset button is popped out but won’t reset and flashes red. Used an AC voltage non contact reader and it indicates there’s power, but as soon as something is plugged in there’s no longer a read from the reader. Any tips?

[@TopHomeowner]

If a GFCI gets flooded they should be replaced. The internal circuitry will get fried and it can happen even if they just get too damp.

[@Flametree1492]

Thank you, I'm going trough that now. House was rehabbed 25 years ago. Thing are starring to break down. I've replaced a few out less with no issues but this last one I can't figure out! Would you know an honest electrician in Philadelphia?

[@surferdude642]

Everybody talks about the GFCI load being used to protect other receptacles. It also can be used through a switch for a bathroom fan, if moisture causes a problem. No?

[@conkyjoe]

You never addressed the issue if the reset button will not reset when pressed. My GFCI test light glows green, when reset is pressed, nothing. This tell me the unit needs replacing. There is no downstream receptacle in the circuit.

[@TopHomeowner]

Thanks! I actually have another video about that specific issue

[@markb.1259]

Thank you for your email on GFCI's!!!

[@internalbeats6870]

Very helpful. Thanks!!

[@frosted1030]

I have a GFCI outside that has died three times in three years. It's inside a weather proof box. Any idea what could be causing this?

[@TopHomeowner]

Make sure it's weather resistant rated (WR) and has an appropriate weatherproof cover. If both of those things are true then you might look at the seals on the cover and/or caulking between the cover and the house. Hope that helps!

[@frosted1030]

@@TopHomeowner Thanks. It is a WR. There is no calcking. It was installed OVER vinal siding, and when you unplug any device it seperates very clearly from the siding. The box has a flexable acordian style housing. I am thinking of replacing the box and cutting the siding out to secure the box. Do you have any suggestions of what and how to calk this, also I am not sure what tools to use to cut the siding. I have a skill saw and a dremmel.

[@gghostrrider]

Could a power outage cause a GFCI to trip? Could a GFCI cause overhead lights to be out?

[@TopHomeowner]

Yes to both. Lights can be downstream from a GFCI receptacle which, if it's tripped, will cut off the power to them.

[@terrywilliams9115]

The red light is on, but the reset button won't press or click. It always turns red when it is off.

[@TopHomeowner]

I have a video on that issue: kzbin.info/www/bejne/moeYlIWraL6Vb9k Most likely the GFCI needs to be replaced.

[@wolfplex1]

Thanks

[@TopHomeowner]

No problem

[@P2Clean]

👍🏽