Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why isn't my bathroom receptacle working, it was earlier?
Q: Why isn't there power to my garage outlets?
A: One answer for both questions would be to first check the Ground Fault Circuit Interruptor.
GFCI
You may have noticed some receptacles have a test and reset button on them. Depending on when your house was built, you may find 2 of these in the kitchen, they control the kitchen counter receptacles, 1 in the bathroom, in the basement, and possibly the garage. The outside receptacles are also controlled from one of these and it is usually found in the garage or bathroom. These are Ground Fault Circuit Interruptor Controls, as required by the National Electrical Code.
The GFCI is there to protect us when using electricity in locations where water or dampness exist. A GFCI monitors how much electricity goes into an "appliance" and how much comes out. If there is a ground fault (leak) and less electricity is coming out than going in, the GFCI will cut the power within 1/40th of a second. The GFCI can detect very low leakage levels (5 milliamps; + or - 1 milliamp). These levels are far below those that would blow a fuse or trip a circuit breaker and thus protect us from a fatal shock.
If the GFCI trips unplug everything plugged in to the receptacles that it controls and reset by pushing the reset button on the receptacle. Blow dryers, curling irons and power tools, all may cause tripping. This could be due to dampness getting into the receptacle or a "break" in the wires of the cord on the tool. If there is excessive tripping, you may want to check the equipment that is plugged in.
We advise to NOT plug a freezer or refrigerator into a GFCI controlled receptacle. Sometimes when the motor starts on the compressor, it causes the GFCI to "trip" and you may not notice that the power is off until your food is spoiled. We advise having a separate circuit and receptacle for a freezer or refrigerator.
Please contact Krueger Electric, Inc. at 920-788-7118 if you are still having problems. We can schedule an electrician to make a service call.