What is a GFCI outlet, and why won’t it reset?
What to Do When Your GFCI Outlet Stops Working
Electricity is so useful. We are constantly finding ways to make life easier, safer, and more comfortable. Electricity is also a little mysterious, since it is invisible and a little dangerous. We know that it very predictably follows scientific rules and can be relied upon. It would be very reassuring to have someone to call concerning puzzling but quite ordinary questions concerning residential electricity and wiring.
AirPro Houston is the perfect resource. Call 281-880-8805 during office hours or this number for emergencies. To demonstrate our commitment to informing homeowners, let us answer this common question.
What should I do when my GFCI outlet will not work?
Ground fault Circuit interrupter outlets and switches were introduced in the 1970s and have saved thousands of lives. They are installed in homes anytime a switch or outlet is installed close to a water source—near a kitchen or bathroom sink, for example.
- A circuit breaker will recognize a short that exceeds the current rating of the circuit (15 to 20 amps).
- A GFCI switch will recognize a short as small as 4 to 5 milliamps. It breaks the circuit in 1/40 of a second.
GFCI switches and outlets are important safety features in your home. But what should you do if the GFCI device has tripped and will not reset? Here are a few self-diagnostic steps to take. If they do not help, call AirPro Houston.
- Unplug any device from the circuit in question. This both eliminates the device from the problem and avoids the surprise of the device suddenly turning on when power is restored.
- Make sure there is no standing water visible anywhere near the device, including on the floor.
- Identify the two buttons on the GFCI device. The wording on the buttons might be hard to read, but it is usually something like Test and Reset. If the switch or outlet is not working, press the Reset button.
- Check the immediate vicinity for other GFCI devices; a circuit may have more than one device on the circuit, and the other devices might have tripped at the same time. An example might be the switch that powers a garbage disposal and an outlet where the disposal is plugged in. Follow steps 1 through 3 if both GFCI devices are tripped.
- If the GFCI device does not reset, check the electric service panel to make sure that the circuit breaker has not tripped. Reset the circuit breaker, then try to reset the GFCI device(s).
If these steps do not restore power to the GFCI device and circuit, do not hesitate to call AirPro Houston.
There are several reasons that a GFCI outlet will not reset.
- There may be moisture in the device that will not let it reset for safety reasons. This might be a result of a previous event or the result of an unseen problem.
- The device might be faulty or need to be replaced due to age. These devices generally last between 15 and 25 years. However, devices in a home that is subject to frequent power surges or outages might need to be replaced more frequently.
- Overloading the circuit or device might have caused the device to fail prematurely. Remember, they are very sensitive devices, so do not use them with extension cords or power strips to add appliances to the outlet.
GFCI Outlet Issues? Get Expert Help From AirPro Houston
If you’ve completed these steps and your GFCI outlet still won’t reset, it’s time to call in the professionals to ensure your home’s safety. Don’t risk dangerous electrical issues—a faulty or aged GFCI outlet needs immediate attention to protect against hazards. Contact AirPro Houston today for prompt diagnosis and expert repair or replacement service.
With our four decades of experience as residential electricians, AirPro Houston provides you with the knowledge of how to repair your home’s most complicated electrical issues, such as GFCI outlet issues. Call our residential electrician team at 281-880-8805.
