A GFCI outlet that is not working has usually tripped and needs a firm press on RESET. If it will not reset, check the breaker, since a GFCI cannot reset without power. If it still will not reset, or keeps tripping, the GFCI may be worn out or the circuit may have a fault.
What a GFCI does
GFCI stands for ground fault circuit interrupter. It watches the current going out and coming back on a circuit. If some current is leaking, for example through water or a person, it shuts the power off very quickly. That is why GFCIs are used in kitchens, bathrooms, garages, laundry areas and outdoors.
A GFCI outlet has two buttons, TEST and RESET. One GFCI can also protect other ordinary outlets further along the same circuit.
How to reset a GFCI safely
Unplug anything plugged into the GFCI and the outlets near it.
Press RESET firmly until it clicks. Some need a solid push.
Plug in a lamp or charger you know works to confirm power.
Plug your devices back in one at a time.
If it will not reset
A GFCI needs power to reset. If RESET will not stay in, check these safe things.
Look at the panel for a tripped breaker. Push it fully to OFF, then ON.
Look for another GFCI upstream. A GFCI in the garage or a bathroom may feed this one.
Make sure nothing is still plugged in. A faulty appliance can trip it again at once.
Check that the outlet is dry. Water in an outdoor outlet or a damp garage can keep it from resetting.
If it keeps tripping
A GFCI that trips often is usually doing its job. The common causes are these.
A faulty appliance or tool. Try plugging in one item at a time.
Moisture in an outdoor outlet, a cover that does not close, or irrigation spray.
Too much on one circuit, which can trip the breaker instead.
A worn GFCI. They do wear out over time.
Damaged wiring or a fault somewhere on the circuit.
Test your GFCIs
The CPSC recommends testing GFCIs at least once a month. Plug in a lamp and turn it on. Press TEST, and the lamp should go off. Press RESET, and it should come back on. If the lamp stays on after TEST, the GFCI is not protecting you and should be replaced by an electrician.
When to call an electrician
The GFCI will not reset and the breaker is on
It trips again right away with nothing plugged in
The TEST button does not cut the power
The outlet is warm, scorched or smells like burning
Several outlets are dead and you cannot find a tripped GFCI
GFCI and AFCI are not the same
A GFCI protects people from shock. An AFCI, or arc fault circuit interrupter, protects against fire by sensing dangerous arcing in wiring. Some homes have one, some have both, and some combination devices do both jobs. Older homes often have neither in places where newer code calls for them.
What not to do
Do not take the GFCI out of the wall or replace it with a regular outlet to stop the tripping. That removes your shock protection.
Get an honest answer on the phone
Call (602) 999-2770 and a real person answers, any hour. Many GFCI calls can be solved on the phone. If it needs a visit, you will hear the price before anyone drives out, and our work carries a two-year warranty on labor and material.
If a GFCI outlet is hot, scorched or smells like burning, stop using it and call an electrician. If you see smoke or fire, call 911.
Common questions
Why will my GFCI not reset?
Most often there is no power to it because a breaker or another GFCI upstream has tripped. If power is on and it still will not reset, the GFCI may be faulty.
Do GFCI outlets wear out?
Yes. A GFCI that will not reset, or one where TEST does not cut the power, should be replaced by an electrician.
How often should I test a GFCI?
The CPSC recommends testing them at least once a month with the TEST and RESET buttons.
