GFCI Outlet Won't Reset? Causes and What to Check

A GFCI that will not reset has either lost its power feed, detected a ground fault it cannot clear, or worn out. Unplug everything on the circuit, press TEST then RESET, and look for another tripped GFCI elsewhere in the house. If it still will not reset with nothing plugged in, replace the GFCI or call an electrician.

A GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) cuts the power when current leaks, usually through water or a damaged appliance. When it will not reset, the cause is often something simple. Here is the order to check.

Why won't my GFCI outlet reset?

• A device with a ground fault. A plugged-in appliance, cord or charger can keep the GFCI from resetting.
• Another tripped GFCI. One GFCI can protect outlets in several rooms, and a second GFCI downstream can trip too.
• Moisture or a wiring fault. Water in an outdoor box, a damp basement outlet or damaged wire can cause a ground fault.
• A worn-out GFCI. The internal parts degrade over time, and the device may no longer reset.
• A tripped breaker in the panel. A breaker that appears on may be slightly tripped, and a GFCI breaker has its own reset.
• No power to the GFCI. A loose wire or a failed upstream device means nothing reaches it.
• Line and load wiring reversed. After a replacement, wires on the wrong terminals can stop it resetting.

What the behavior tells you

How to fix it

1. Unplug everything from the dead outlets and from any outlet on the circuit.
2. Find other GFCIs. Check bathrooms, the garage, outdoors, the basement and the panel. Reset any that have tripped.
3. Press TEST, then RESET. Press firmly and fully. You should hear a click and see the power return.
4. Plug devices back in one at a time. If it trips when you plug in something specific, that device is faulty. Remove it.
5. Check the panel. Turn the circuit breaker fully off, then on again. A GFCI breaker has a TEST button too, so test it, then reset.
6. Dry things out. If the outlet is outdoors or in a damp spot, check for moisture. See an outdoor GFCI that trips in the rain.
7. Replace a worn GFCI. If it will not reset with nothing plugged in and no other GFCI is tripped, it has probably failed.

How to replace a GFCI

If you are comfortable with basic electrical work, replacing a GFCI is a common job. Turn off the breaker and test the wires with a voltage tester. Take a photo of the wiring before you disconnect anything. A GFCI has two sets of terminals, LINE (the incoming power from the panel) and LOAD (protected outlets downstream). If you mix them up, the GFCI may not reset or may not protect the other outlets. If you cannot tell which wires are which, or the wiring is old aluminum or cloth-covered, call a licensed electrician.

Is a GFCI that keeps tripping a problem or a feature?

A GFCI is working correctly when it trips on a ground fault. It is a safety device. A GFCI that trips often points to a real problem such as a faulty appliance or moisture. That is why you should find the cause, not swap in a regular outlet. For garage appliances like freezers, see a freezer that trips the GFCI.

When to call a professional

Call a licensed electrician if:

• The GFCI will not reset with nothing plugged in, even after you replace it.
• You cannot find which GFCI feeds the dead outlets.
• The outlet, box or cover is warm, discolored or smells burnt.
• Lights or other outlets are dead as well, as in a light with power that does not work.
• The breaker trips too, as in repeated breaker trips in the house.

What not to do

• Do not replace a GFCI with a standard outlet.
• Do not bypass it or tape the button.
• Do not keep resetting a GFCI that trips at once.
• Do not work on a box with the power on.

Bottom line

Unplug everything, look for another tripped GFCI and test the device. Most reset problems come from a faulty appliance or a hidden second GFCI. If the outlet will not reset empty, replace it or call an electrician, and do not bypass it. A GFCI is cheap compared with the risk it covers.