Before you book a service call, there’s one simple thing I want you to check: your GFCI outlets.
Those are the outlets with the little TEST and RESET buttons. If a few outlets in your home suddenly lose power, a tripped GFCI could be the reason—even when no breaker appears tripped.
In my recent homeowner-tip video, I talked about checking for a hidden GFCI. At Specialized Electrical Solutions, we want homeowners to know what they can safely check themselves—and when to call us for help.
Watch Vincent’s Quick Homeowner Tip
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Why the problem may be in another room
A GFCI helps protect against electrical shock. One GFCI can also protect other outlets farther along the circuit, sometimes in a different room. That means the outlet that needs resetting might not be the one that stopped working.
Where to look for a hidden GFCI
Check bathrooms, the kitchen, garage, laundry or utility areas, and outdoor outlets. Sometimes a GFCI is easy to miss behind stored items or inside a cabinet. Don’t move heavy appliances or reach into wet areas to find one.
A simple, safe check
- Only check outlets that are dry and show no signs of damage.
- Unplug devices from the affected outlets.
- Find the tripped GFCI and press its RESET button.
- Check whether power has returned.
If it won’t reset or trips again, leave it alone and call an electrician. A GFCI may refuse to reset because there is no incoming power, a fault remains, or the device needs attention. This tip is for a few affected outlets, not a whole-home utility outage.
When to call us
If resetting the GFCI doesn’t restore power, we’re available for service calls. If you notice scorching, a burning smell, sparks, or water around an outlet, skip the reset and contact a qualified electrician. Leave wiring, covers, and electrical repairs to a professional.
We serve Covina, West Covina, Glendora, San Dimas, La Verne, and surrounding communities.
Request an Electrical Assessment
Prefer to call? (714) 926-7942.
—Vincent Ortiz
Specialized Electrical Solutions LLC
No Problems, Only Solutions.