Power Outlet in Kitchen: Has red light that says "test"...What is it for?

Question

In the kitchen, I have two power outlets with red lights on them and there is a reset button and a test button. They only work when the light is on and when one of the buttons are pushed in.

I thought they were supposed to work when the red light is off.... ?

Answer 1

These are GFCI outlets (ground fault circuit interrupter). Basically they are outlets that are required around water--they are very sensitive to a lot of electrical current flowing through them and stop you from getting electrocuted if for example you knock a hair dryer or toaster or something like that into the sink full of water.

Generally these GFCI outlets can be tested by pushing a little button on them (generally there are two buttons on each GFCI outlet). When you push one it turns the electricity off as a "test" to see if they are working. When you push the other one (sometimes you have to hold it in for a second or two) it turns the electricity back on.

Answer 2

Just a different style. Most of the ones i see have green led that lights when functioning properly. These outlets are GFCIs and are required to be in the kitchen. test button will trip the reset button OUT and you must then push reset button in for it to work properly.  

Answer 3

its a breaker outlet. there for safety ,in case water get in it. there should also be a reset