Though they aren’t present in every house, GFCI outlets are an important part of homes that do have them. Their main purpose is to monitor the flow of electricity in a home and quickly shut off power if it detects a leak in the current. In doing so, a GFCI outlet keeps you safe from electric shocks, particularly in areas where water is present.
Usually, all you have to do to restore power is press the “reset” button on the GFCI outlet. If that doesn’t work, it’s likely because of one of the five reasons listed below.
- Loose Parts or Connections
Over time, the parts behind your outlet can become loose due to wear and tear. This includes terminal screws, stab-in connections, wire connections, and so on. You can figure out if this is the case by removing the outlet from the box and looking for loose connections. Use a voltage pen first to ensure no power is coming to the wires.
- Power Turned Off by Circuit Breaker
The circuit breaker is another common culprit behind GFCI issues. If your outlet won’t reset, check the breaker box to make sure the circuit breaker hasn’t tripped. If you reset the outlet and it still won’t work, there might be moisture buildup in the outlet or wiring. Try drying the outlet out with a hair dryer and using the reset button when all the moisture is gone.
- No Power Supply to Receptacle
Sometimes, the issue will lie in the receptacle not getting enough power. Take out the GFCI outlet and use another device (such as a hair dryer) to test the receptacle. If that device doesn’t work either, check if the circuit breaker is tripped and reset it if that’s the case. The breaker might also be blown, in which case you’ll need to replace its fuse.
- Outlet Was Installed Incorrectly
Some GFCI issues boil down to improper installation. For instance, if the reset button on the outlet doesn’t pop out after you press the test button, there’s a decent chance something went wrong during the installation. The outlet also won’t reset if the “load” and “line” wires are connected incorrectly. Contact a professional electrician to tell you more.
- Outlet Has Gone Bad
GFCI outlets can go bad due to a variety of factors, from a manufacturing defect to damage from a power surge. Some outlets are simply too old and have too much wear and tear on them. Either way, you’ll need to replace the outlet. This is another task that you should leave to experts, as the DIY method leaves you at risk of electric shock.
If you’re unsure whether your GFCI outlets are working properly or if you’re experiencing issues that a reset won’t fix, don’t wait until it becomes a safety hazard. Our licensed electricians at GB Electrical Services are here to help you troubleshoot, repair, or upgrade your system with safety and reliability in mind.
Call us today at (980) 500-2378 to schedule your service. Your safety is our priority.
