A GFCI outlet is a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter. This protects users of small appliances should the appliance come in contact with water. You can identify a GFCI outlet by checking for “test” and “reset” buttons on the actual outlet. In some instances, the circuit supplying the outlet is protected by the circuit breaker switch itself. If this is the case, you can identify the circuit switch by the same buttons on the switch. Also, several outlets can be protected by a single GFCI outlet if they are wired in series. If outlets are protected by the circuit breaker or by being wired in series, the outlet should have a green dot on it.

If your practice is located in an older building, there may be electrocution hazards. If you have electrical outlets within 60 inches of a sink or any water source, you may not be up to code. It has been our experience that older renovations sometimes have standard outlets where GFCI outlets should exist. 

If you do have GFCI and are not sure if other outlets are protected, it is easy to check.  Make sure your wet locations are dry, and then plug a night light into outlets within 60 inches of the wet location. Then plug a nightlight or small lamp into the outlet in question and turn it on. Next, push the test button on the GFCI outlet or breaker. The light should go out if the circuit is protected. Now push the reset button on the GFCI device – the light should turn on. If the light does not work with the GFCI test, then the outlet is not protected and needs to be addressed. The Underwriters Laboratories (UL) recommends that you test all GFCI outlets monthly to be sure they are still functioning properly. If you think you have electrical outlets that are not protected, contact a licensed electrician to correct the situation.