Why Are My GFCI Outlets Not Working?

A Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlet is a critical safety feature in your home, designed to protect you from electrical shock. When it stops working, it’s often for a very good reason—it has detected a fault and has shut off power to prevent a dangerous situation. While sometimes a simple reset will fix the problem, a GFCI that won’t reset or keeps tripping is a clear warning sign. Here’s a guide to understanding why your GFCI outlets are not working and when to call an electrician.

What a GFCI Does and Why It Trips

A GFCI outlet continuously monitors the flow of electricity. If it detects even a tiny imbalance (as little as 5 milliamps), it immediately trips, cutting off the power in a fraction of a second. This imbalance, or “ground fault,” occurs when electricity is diverted from its intended path, often through a person or water, and is a life-threatening condition.

Common Reasons a GFCI Won’t Reset or Stops Working

1. It’s Doing Its Job: The most common reason a GFCI won’t reset is that it is still detecting a ground fault somewhere on the circuit. This could be from an appliance that is plugged in, a loose wire, or a short.
2. The GFCI Outlet Is Tripped Downstream: One GFCI outlet can protect other outlets downstream from it. If a GFCI outlet is not working, check every other GFCI in the house (including those in the garage or on the exterior) and reset them all.
3. A Circuit Breaker Is Tripped: A GFCI will not work if there is no power to it. Check your main electrical panel to see if a breaker has been tripped.
4. The GFCI Outlet Is Faulty: Over time, GFCIs can wear out and simply fail to reset. This can be caused by age, a power surge, or repeated ground faults. If you have confirmed that there are no ground faults on the circuit, the GFCI itself may need to be replaced.
5. A Ground Fault in the Wiring: A short or fault in the wiring itself can cause a GFCI to trip repeatedly. This is a serious condition that requires a licensed electrician to diagnose and repair.

When to Call a Professional Electrician

While a simple reset can sometimes fix a non-working GFCI, a professional should be called if:

• The GFCI won’t reset and you’ve confirmed that all other GFCIs are reset and the breaker is on.
• The GFCI trips immediately after you reset it.
• The GFCI feels warm or you smell a burning odor.
• You suspect a ground fault in your wiring.

Our licensed electricians can use professional tools to accurately diagnose the problem and safely repair the fault or replace the outlet, ensuring your home remains protected from electrical shock. For a fast and reliable GFCI repair, contact McLean Electric Co. today.