How to Test a GFCI Breaker

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posted on 8 months ago — updated on 1 second ago

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A GFCI or RCD breaker is equipped on any outlets where there is a heightened risk of electric shock, namely in the bathroom and in the kitchen, and disconnects power when current flows between live and ground. It is important to test these breakers periodically as the mechanism can seize up preventing disconnection of the circuit. This wikiHow will show you how to test a GFCI breaker.

Steps

At Outlets

Press the "TEST" button. You should notice that the "RESET" button pops out. There may also be an indicator light that turns red or from green to dark to indicate the outlet has tripped.

Confirm that power is disconnected. Plug in a charger or other electrical device to confirm that the outlet is dead. If it is not dead then you will need to contact an electrician to have the outlet replaced.

Reset the breaker. Press the "RESET" button to recomplete the circuit. If there is an indicator light it should turn green, or it may turn from red to dark.

Confirm that power is restored. Plug in a charger or other electrical device to confirm that the outlet is restored. If the outlet is still dead then check that a circuit breaker was not tripped in the main panel. If after resetting the circuit breaker there is still no power you might need to contact an electrician to have the outlet replaced. GFCI outlets do not respond to overcurrent. They only respond to ground faults.

Use a GFCI tester. A tester creates a ground fault that should be detected by your outlet and trip the breaker. You can get a tester at most home improvement stores. Be wary of counterfeit products when purchasing from third party sellers such as on Amazon.

At the Breaker Panel

Press the "TEST" button. You should notice the breaker flips to the halfway position, indicating a fault. If there is no test button then the breaker you are working with is not a GFCI breaker.

Confirm that power is disconnected. Check the circuit the breaker is connected to to confirm that the circuit is dead. If it is not dead then you will need to contact an electrician to have the breaker replaced. Also ensure that turning the breaker back to the "ON" position does not reenergize power. In poorly designed and older breakers, it is possible that holding the breaker in the "ON" position would defeat the protection. Newer breakers address this problem.

Reset the breaker. First turn the breaker from the halfway position to the "OFF" position, then back to the "ON" position. If the breaker trips again then there may be a ground fault or an appliance drawing too much current downstream. Disconnect the appliance and try again.

Confirm that power is restored. Check the circuit the breaker is connected to to ensure power is restored. If there is still no power you might need to contact an electrician to have the breaker replaced. GFCI breakers can respond to overcurrent, but it needs to be designed for it. Check that the breaker is equipped with overcurrent protection; RCBOs are.