On electrical things such as plugs and outlets, what do the "test" and "reset" buttons do?

Answer 1

The "test" and 'reset' buttons are on ground fault interruptor units. These units are designed to prevent your getting a lethal shock in the event there is a short to ground. They're required to be installed in "wet" areas such as bathrooms, laundry rooms and in the kitchen around the sink area. The "test" button does just what it says. It tests the unit to insure it's working. Plug something in, turn it on, and press the "test" button. The item you have plugged in should quit working. To restore the outlet to operation press the "reset" button. If the outlet frequently trips and has to be reset you may have a bad appliance or a bad outlet. Never run a fridge on this type of outlet unless you want to come home to a dead fridge and spoiled food.

Answer 2

I'm guessing you're asking about a GFCI outlet (ground fault circuit interupting). How the GFCI Works In the home's wiring system, the GFCI constantly monitors electricity flowing in a circuit, to sense any loss of current. If the current flowing through the circuit differs by a small amount from that returning, the GFCI quickly switches off power to that circuit. The GFCI interrupts power faster than a blink of an eye to prevent a lethal dose of electricity. You may receive a painful shock, but you should not be electrocuted or receive a serious shock injury. Here's how it may work in your house. Suppose a bare wire inside an appliance touches the metal case. The case is then charged with electricity. If you touch the appliance with one hand while the other hand is touching a grounded metal object, like a water faucet, you will receive a shock. If the appliance is plugged into an outlet protected by a GFCI, the power will be shut off before a fatal shock would occur.

Answer 3

That is a GCFI circuit, for ground fault interrupt. If the appliance grounds out, it will automatically cut off the electricity, if it is working right. You should push the "test" button periodically to make sure it works. Then you can push the reset. Plug something into the outlet, turn it on, push the test button, and it should go off. It is to keep you from getting electricuted.

Answer 4

that is for the GFCI plugs only, usually used around water, like bathroom and kitchen or outside. The test button tests the circuit to see if it will work. Reset is the button you have to hit if the circuit goes out. This circuit is for safety. It will keep you from being electrocuted if you get in contact with some electrical device and hit water or some grounding device.

Answer 5

Those sockets have a built in circuit breaker, referred to as "ground fault interruption." They are used in wet environments so that if water gets into the appliance or the socket, it will shut off instead of electrocuting a person. If you plug something into the socket, then push the "test" button, it should turn off. Push the "reset" and the socket is turned back on.

Answer 6

You know how when the power goes off in your house, you go to the electrical box, flip all the switches the same way and then flip them back again? That's kinda like what these are, except they are for that outlet only and you're only pressing one button instead of flipping multiple switches. I have to do it occasionally when I plug in my hairdryer.

Answer 7

well from what i know when you press test it sees if the socket shorts preventing power and reset resets it allowing power through the socket if the light is on theres not power this is called a GFCI outlet by the way

Answer 8

it means that socket has its own fuse. Usually in bathrooms for hair dryers and such. So you dont have to go to the basement to reset the fuse.