The outlet keeps tripping and the cooler keeps going dark. Don't just reset it again.

GFCI stands for ground fault circuit interrupter. It's the outlet with the test and reset buttons, or a breaker in the panel that does the same job.

It watches the current going out to the equipment and coming back. If even a few thousandths of an amp go missing, it cuts the power in a fraction of a second. That missing current could be flowing through water, or through a person.

The electrical code requires GFCI protection on many outlets in commercial kitchens, and newer editions of the code cover more of them. That's why you see more of them than you used to.

1. Water. Mopping, hosing or spills near an outlet or plug. Steam and condensation count too.
2. A damaged cord or plug. Cracked insulation, bent prongs or a crushed cord behind equipment.
3. Failing equipment. A heating element, defrost heater, motor or compressor that's starting to break down can leak current before it fails.
4. Too much on one outlet. Extension cords and power strips add risk and can cause trips.

1. Unplug the equipment. Look at the plug and cord for damage, scorching or water.
2. Look at the outlet. Is it wet, cracked, loose or discolored? Is the cover missing?
3. Reset the GFCI with dry hands, with the equipment still unplugged. If it trips with nothing plugged in, the problem is the outlet or the wiring. Call an electrician.
4. Plug the equipment back in. If it trips again right away or within hours, the equipment is the likely cause. Call for equipment service.
5. Try to remember the timing. Tripping during mopping points to water. Tripping during a defrost or a heat-up points to a part.

Write down which outlet, which equipment and when. It helps the technician find it faster.

• Don't replace a GFCI with a standard outlet.
• Don't run the equipment on an extension cord to a different outlet to get around it.
• Don't keep resetting it all shift and hope.

A GFCI that trips is the cheap part of the problem. A shock or a fire is the expensive part.

• Keep cords off wet floors and out of walkways.
• Cover outlets near wash areas with in-use covers.
• Don't hose down equipment or the walls near outlets unless the equipment is built for it.
• Press the test button monthly to make sure each GFCI still works.