Wall outlets with test buttons

I have a wall outlet in my kitchen with the black and red test buttons that has stopped working. I'm sure it simply needs replacing; however, I was unsure as to how to do it. Is this outlet changed out the same way as the basic outlets, even though it has that test thing on it? It has tripped and will not reset and since two other outlets are tied to it, I don't have power in the majority of my kitchen outlets.

HELP--please!!

 

It's called a ground fault interupter recepticle, if your power is off look at the fuse or circut breaker. If the breaker is tripped reset it, or if the fuse is blown reset it. If either blows or trips disconnect the gfi and if before the other 2 outlets see if the other 2 work, plug in a lamp. If so reset the gfi and reset the breaker and if it still blows the gfi is at fault. If the outlets are behind the gfi you should have 4 wires in the box splice the two white together and the two black together, if you are now working it's the gfi. replace it. If not write back.

 

The device you describe is called a Ground Fault Current Interrupter. Its purpose is to protect people from electric current leakage. Not the same protection as from a short, although it does that, too. It is similar to what comes mounted on the power cord to an electric hair blower - dryer.

If it has tripped, it won't reset until the source of the current leakage or short is resolved. Have you checked the breaker? Have you checked to make sure that nothing has tripped the GFCI? Once the problem is removed press the Test button then the Reset button. That should reset it.

If this is tripped a lot, it may be worn out.

These must be replaced exactly as shown in the directions that come with them. These devices have wiring that goes into them and out of them. This enables them to protect other outlets downstream from them.

You can buy a replacement at HD or Lowes or other hardware store. Get on like the one you have.

To replace it, turn off the breaker that powers these outlets and make sure the power is off by checking them by plugging in something you know works, such as a lamp. When you remove the old one, be sure to note which wires are mounted where on the old one and mount them on the new one in the same manner. Turning them around may cause the unit to no longer protect the other outlets or even it may not work.

Here is a how to for replacing a GFCI.

http://www.doityourself.com/electric...-e2diy0158.htm

Hope this helps.

 

Always check for a real ground fault before even considering replacing the GFCI receptacle. Any chance someone has been spashing some water around in the kitchen recently? You may just have some moisture in one of the receptacle boxes.

 

Thanks for the water hint--it just so happens that my home was pressure washed today in preparation for painting and a good deal of water splashed in through the windows in my kitchen--the plugs worked fine before the pressure washer came. I'll try to reset it again after the moisture has had time to evaporate.

THANKS!!

 

It can take several days to dry out. You might consider speeding things up by taking off the cover and using a hair dryer.