GFCI outlets are common in most homes. While they function like any standard electrical outlet, knowing how to reset GFCI outlet can enhance their safety features, protecting against potentially fatal electrical shocks and similar hazards.
Of course, as with any piece of hardware, GFCI outlets can still experience issues. If you’re looking to fix a GFCI outlet, jump straight to our steps for troubleshooting . Otherwise, read on to learn more about how these special outlets work to protect you and your home.
Do you have a home warranty with SHW? Your electrical system may be covered. Just submit your claim. If you don’t have a home warranty, getting a free quote is quick and easy. Call 800-670-8931 to get started.
Table of Contents
What’s a GFCI Outlet?
GFCI stands for “Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter.” They’re a common safety device installed in many homes and are designed to protect people from getting shocked or electrocuted.
They’re easy to identify, as they often feature “Test” and “Reset” buttons. Some models of GFCI outlets will feature an LED light to indicate the outlet’s status.
GFCI outlets are most commonly installed in places where a water source is present, such as in bathrooms, kitchens, garages, basements, and outside the home.
What does a GFCI Outlet do?
GFCI outlets constantly monitor the electrical current flowing through the circuit. When it detects a significant difference in the current, it immediately cuts the power to the outlet.
This functionality can save lives. By interrupting ground faults, GFCI outlets can prevent certain electrical fires or save someone from being electrocuted or burned.
Ideally, you should test GFCI outlets once a month and after a power failure. If needed, understanding how to reset GFCI outlet will help restore power and maintain protection.
What’s the Difference Between GFCI and GFI?
Just a letter and a word, really. GFI stands for “Ground Fault Interrupter.” A GFI outlet is essentially the same thing as a GFCI outlet. The terms are used interchangeably. However, you may see GFCI used more often.
How to Reset GFCI outlet?
If your GFCI outlet isn’t working, it’s likely been tripped. While there are several reasons an outlet might lose power, resetting it is usually a simple fix. Thankfully, understanding how to reset the outlet is a quick and straightforward process. It can be done in 3 ways. Let’s learn how.
Method 1: By Using the Reset Button
-
- Unplug Devices: Disconnect all devices from the GFCI outlet and nearby outlets to prevent overloading. Ensure everything is powered down to avoid damage or shock.
- Press the Reset Button: Find the red “Reset” button on the GFCI outlet, press it firmly, and listen for a click that confirms the outlet has been successfully reset.
- Test the Outlet: Plug in a device and turn it on to check for power. Reconnect devices one at a time to avoid overloading the circuit.
Method 2: By Resetting the Breaker
-
- Unplug Devices: Disconnect all devices from the outlet and circuit to prevent overloading, which may trip the breaker again.
- Find the Tripped Breaker: Locate the breaker box (commonly in basements, garages, or kitchens) and identify the centered tripped breaker.
- Switch to “Off”: Push the breaker fully to the “Off” position until it clicks.
- Turn to “On”: Flip the breaker back to the “On” position to restore power to the circuit.
Method 3: Troubleshooting
-
- Check Other Outlets: Locate and reset any other tripped GFCI outlets on the same circuit.
- Dry the Outlet: Turn off the breaker and dry the outlet with a hairdryer if moisture is present.
- Fix Loose Wires: Check and tighten loose wiring connections before restoring power.
- Replace the Outlet: If the GFCI outlet still doesn’t work, turn off the breaker, remove the old outlet, and connect the wires to a new GFCI outlet before securing it back in place.
- Replace a Faulty Breaker: If the breaker is faulty, turn off the main power, remove the old breaker, and install a new one securely before restoring power.
What to do When Reset is not Possible?
When a GFCI outlet won’t reset, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can try on your own to resolve the issue and perform a proper GFCI outlet reset.
First, check the breaker box or electrical panel. It’s possible that a breaker tripped, shutting off power to that section of your electrical system.
-
- If you’re not sure how to do this, see our guide to fixing a tripped circuit breaker.
- If you see a tripped breaker, flip it all the way off before turning it back on again.
Next, you can check to see if any other nearby outlets have been tripped.
-
- Check other outlets in the room and confirm whether they’re working.
- If you find any that need to be reset, press the “Reset” button.
- Once the other outlet is reset, try resetting the GFCI outlet that originally gave you trouble.
What if Troubleshooting a GFCI Outlet doesn’t Work?
If you’ve tried everything else with no success, and still can’t get it to work, you may need to know how to reset GFCI outlet properly or consider replacing the outlet.
An outlet may be considered bad or faulty if:
-
- You press the “Test” button and the outlet doesn’t trip.
- You press the “Reset” button and it won’t work.
- You use a GFCI or voltage tester and it indicates an issue with the outlet.
GFCI outlets are typically expected to last around 15 to 25 years. If any of the outlets in your house are over 10 years old, it may be time for a replacement.
In some cases, issues may be caused by loose connections, a loose wire, worn insulation, and other deterioration brought on by age. These, too, can cause a malfunction and require electrical expertise to fix.
Of course, if you’re reading this guide, you may not feel comfortable replacing an electrical outlet on your own. In such a situation, it’s best to play it safe and turn to a licensed electrician for help.
Can a Home Warranty Help with a Faulty GFCI Outlet?
Home warranty plans through SHW can cover wiring, service panels, breakers, and – you guessed it – ground fault interrupters. If you’re having issues with your GFCI outlet reset or another part of your electrical system, a home warranty can connect you with a professional to get things working again.
Best of all, home warranties help alleviate the financial burden of these repairs, helping you get your systems and appliances back in working order for a fraction of the cost.
It all starts with a free quote. Call us at 800-670-8931 to learn more.
Protect more than just your electrical system! See what else a home warranty covers
