Electrician & Plumber • Licensed & Insured • Residential & Commercial • Credit Cards Accepted • Serving the Birmingham, AL area • 24/7 Emergency Service Available

(205) 426-0583

What is GFCI protection and how is it maintained?

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) devices are required in specific areas of our homes by law. What is GFCI protection? We must all have GFCI protection in certain parts of our house such as our kitchens, bathrooms, unfinished basements, outside our homes as well as our garages. GFCI devices monitor the electricity between the ungrounded (hot) and grounded (neutral) conductors. If there is an improper imbalance between the two conductors the GFCI will stop the power from exiting the receptacle, so no one gets an electrical shock.

GFCI protection comes in two different forms. The most noticeable would be in the form of a receptacle. The second form of GFCI protection that is common in homes is GFCI breakers. Both of these devices protect people from an electrical shock. The receptacle is located in the outlet where we plug devices in. The breaker is located in the electrical panel.

GFCI devices need to be adequately maintained. It is suggested to test the GFCI device on a monthly basis by manufactures. The way you check the device is as follows:

On the receptacle, there is a test button, press the button. After you pressed the button to try to plug something into the receptacle, the item you plugged in should not work. Now, press the reset button and plug the same thing in. You should have restored the power.

On the breaker, press the test button located on the breaker. The breaker should now be turned off. To restore power to the breaker make sure the breaker is in the off position and push to the on position, this will restore power to the circuit.

Please make sure the GFCI protection in all the areas of your home are tested on a monthly basis to ensure the devices are working correctly to protect you and your family.

Contact John's Electric to make sure you have the proper outlets in your home. 

Return to blog

Current Specials

Free Home Electrical Inspection

With any paid electrical repair. A $100 value.
Must use coupon code JELFREEHOME.
Offer does not expire

$200 Off Electrical Panel Upgrade

On Any Electrical Panel Upgrade.
Taxes and dispatch fee additional. Please call for details. Must print this coupon and redeem at time of initial dispatch call.
Offer does not expire

$25 Off Any Electrical Repair

Must mention promo code: 25OFF
Cannot be combined with any other offer. Does not include dispatch fee.
Offer does not expire

Free Second Opinion

on service/breaker upgrades or fuse box repairs.
Must use coupon code JELFREESECONDOPINION.
Offer does not expire

Latest Tips

Welcome to the Neighborhood!

Tuesday, December 21, 2021

John's Electric Service strives to give the best possible service through:

Finish reading Welcome to the Neighborhood!...

New homeowners should never ignore these electrical responsibilities.

Monday, August 9, 2021

Whether the issue is large or small, problems with electricity are often ignored until they become apparent.  It's easy to avoid thinking about problems that can occur in our appliances, circuit breakers, wall outlets, and even light bulbs. But often, ignoring issues while they are small leads to more significant problems and the necessity for the help of an electrician.

Finish reading New homeowners should never ignore these electrical responsibilities....

About John's Electric

Linn Park Fountain, Birmingham, AL

John's Electric Inc. is a family owned and operated electrical contractor business that proudly provides electrician services in Birmingham, AL and the surrounding areas such as Hoover, Homewood, Chelsea, Vestavia Hills, Pelham, Alabaster, Trussville, and Mountain Brook. John's Electric provides residential and commercial electrical solutions at competitive rates. We have been in this line of work for 30 years, giving us not only experience but expertise as well. You can depend on us. We are a state licensed electrician (#03875) for your protection.

  • Angie's List
  • Better Business Bureau
  • Facebook
  • Google
  • HomeAdvisor
  • Instagram
  • Yellow Pages
  • Yelp

What others say about John's Electric Service

What a pleasure it was dealing with Aubrey of John's electric! We had a breaker that would not reset. Aubrey arrived at our house at exactly the time he said he would. He had the problem diagnosed in under a minute and had us back to normal with all of our garage outlets in under 5 minutes. I know that all service calls can't go that quickly, but he sure found the problem right away and got it fixed immediately. I would strongly recommend this company.

Drew Simpson

Google

I called because of the great reviews, and was not disappointed. I told Aubrey what was going on and he knew right where the problem was. He communicated well when he would be here and scheduled time with the power company to shut off the main power to replace the main breaker.

I appreciated that Aubrey took the time to make sure that everything was working before he left.

Scott Klawitter

Google

When you need help from an electrician IMMEDDIATELY, this is the company to call. They came out right away, gave me several options for the repair, and the pricing was fair. I can tell you this, if I had another electrical problem this is the company that I would call.

John Mayti

Yellow Pages

John's Electric responded promptly to my service needs and made repairs at a reasonable price. I highly recommend them for any electrical work.

Ryan Armstrong

Google