Q. I’m not sure if my receptacles are the GFCI-protected kind. Can you explain how to find out?
A. A GFCI-protected receptacle can be one of two types: It can be the type with GFCI circuitry built into it, easily identified by a test and reset button on its face, or it could be a standard receptacle wired to a remote GFCI receptacle or a GFCI circuit breaker in the main panel. GFCI receptacles should be labeled (see photo) but aren’t always.
The easiest way to check is by using a GFCI Receptacle Tester ($12 to $15). Plug it into the questionable receptacle and push the test button. The remote GFCI, if present, will trip and the tester’s lights will go out. If this occurs, find the remote GFCI and reset it. Sometimes the remote GFCI you have to reset is a GFCI circuit breaker in the main panel. Then label the receptacle on the faceplate as GFCI protected.
