You plug in your coffee maker, ready for that first cup. You hit the power button. Nothing. You glance down at the outlet and see that the small reset button has popped out. Easy fix, right? You press the RESET button. You hear a soft click, but it immediately pops back out. You try again, a little firmer this time. Same result.
Is the outlet totally broken? Did you do something to break it? This is an issue that leaves many homeowners confused, questioning their electrical wiring. So, let’s get into what might be happening with your GFCI outlet and what you can do about it.
First, Check for a Tripped Circuit Breaker
Before you declare the outlet a lost cause, take a walk to your home’s electrical panel. You can usually find it in a garage, basement, or utility closet. A GFCI outlet can’t reset if it has no power supply in the first place, and a tripped breaker will cut that power.
Open the panel door and look for any switches that are out of position. A tripped circuit breaker will either be flipped completely to the “OFF” side or might be hanging out in the middle. To fix this, you have to push the switch all the way to “OFF,” then firmly back to “ON.” Now head back to your GFCI and try pushing that reset button. If it clicks and holds, your problem is solved.
The Problem Might Be “Downstream”
Here is something you may not know about these outlets. A single GFCI outlet often protects other regular-looking outlets connected to it on the same circuit. Electricians call these “downstream” outlets. This means an issue happening in another part of the room could be the real reason your GFCI won’t reset.
Start by unplugging every single thing from the GFCI outlet. Then, unplug appliances from all nearby outlets, especially in rooms like kitchens and bathrooms where outlets are often linked. With everything unplugged, push the GFCI reset button. If it stays in, you know the outlet is working. Now, start plugging your devices back in one by one until the GFCI trips again. The last item you plugged in likely has an electrical fault.
Could It Be Moisture?
GFCI outlets are your first line of defense against electrical shock. That’s why building codes demand that they are installed near sinks, tubs, and other water sources. These outlets are built to be extremely sensitive to moisture because water can create a dangerous path for an electric current. Even a tiny bit of moisture inside the outlet box can cause a “leakage” of current that the GFCI will detect. It will trip itself and refuse to reset until it’s completely dry. You can carefully use a hairdryer on a low, cool setting to blow air at the outlet’s faceplate to help any moisture evaporate.
Just be certain not to stick anything into the outlet slots.
Look for a Faulty Appliance
The GFCI outlet might just be doing its job perfectly. It’s there to protect you from a dangerous appliance, and an internal problem with a device’s electrical wiring can create a ground fault. A simple troubleshooting method is to unplug whatever is connected to the outlet and then try the reset button. If the button clicks into place and stays there, the outlet is probably fine. The problem is very likely with the coffee maker, blender, or whatever else you were trying to use.
The Outlet Itself Might Be Worn Out
At the end of the day, a GFCI outlet is a small, hard-working device with sensitive internal parts. It has a tiny sensor that monitors the voltage and flow of electric current. Over time, and after many trips, this mechanism can wear out.
If you have tried all the steps above and the outlet still won’t reset, it’s a good sign the outlet itself has failed. The next step is a replacement. This involves handling a live wire or two, so it’s often a task better left to a qualified electrician. Reach out to RR Electric, Heating & Air for electrical services in Simi Valley, CA.
Ditch the Guesswork and Call RR Electric, Heating & Air!
Still staring at that non-responsive outlet? When you’re dealing with a mysterious power supply issue, a possible ground fault, or a stubborn button that just won’t reset, it can be a real headache.
Give our team at RR Electric, Heating & Air a call. We can fix the trouble with your GFCI outlets for good. Our friendly pros in Simi Valley, CA, will get to the bottom of the electrical fault, check every wire, and restore your power safely and correctly. We’re also happy to give you some more helpful troubleshooting tips for your home’s electrical system when we visit. Call today to learn about our services for your switches and outlets and get your biggest problems solved!