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Quick Answer
If your GFCI outlet is not resetting properly, there are a few steps you can take to try and get it functioning again:
- Make sure there is power going to the outlet – check the breaker or fuse box to ensure the circuit is on
- Press the “Reset” button firmly and fully
- Try resetting with nothing plugged into the outlet
- Make sure there are no loose wires on the load or line terminals
- Test the outlet with a GFCI tester – this can tell you if it’s miswired
- Inspect the outlet wires for damage and replace any worn wires
- Replace the GFCI outlet if faulty or old
Resetting the GFCI involves pressing the “Reset” button until you hear a click. If it won’t reset, it could mean the outlet is miswired, there’s a ground fault, or the GFCI is defective and needs replacing. Always ensure circuits are off before doing any electrical work.
What is a GFCI outlet?
A GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlet is a special type of electrical outlet designed to prevent electrocution and shock by detecting ground faults.
GFCIs monitor the flow of electricity through a circuit. If they detect a difference in current flow between the hot and neutral wires, it indicates electricity is escaping the circuit and could potentially flow through a person. The GFCI will quickly cut off power to prevent electrocution.
Key Features of a GFCI
- Reset and Test Buttons – Allow manual testing and resetting of the GFCI
- Internal Circuitry – Detects current mismatches and cuts power in milliseconds
- Grounded 3-Prong Outlet – Has a ground hole to accept 3-prong plugs
- Tamper-Resistant Shutters – Prevent shock from objects inserted in slots
GFCIs provide an essential safety function by cutting off electricity when a ground fault is detected. They are now required in bathrooms, kitchens, basements, garages, and many outdoor outlets.
Why Won’t My GFCI Outlet Reset?
There are several reasons why a GFCI outlet may not reset properly when you press the “Reset” button:
Loose Wiring Connection
Loose or disconnected wires in the GFCI box can cause power issues that prevent resetting. Check that all wires are securely attached to the correct LINE and LOAD terminals. The LINE terminals connect to the incoming power source, while the LOAD terminals connect to the outlet portion.
Damaged/Faulty Wiring
Damaged or deteriorated wiring inside the GFCI box can cause short circuits and connection issues that prevent proper resetting. Inspect the wiring for damage or cracks. Electrical tape or wire nuts may be used to repair minor damage.
No Power to the GFCI
If the GFCI outlet lacks power altogether, check the circuit breaker or fuse box to ensure the circuit is on and delivering power. The outlet must be receiving electricity to function.
Wrong GFCI Size
Using a 15-amp GFCI outlet on a 20-amp circuit can sometimes cause reset issues. Make sure the GFCI amperage matches the circuit size. The outlet size should match or exceed the amps of the circuit.
GFCI Is Miswired
One of the most common reasons a GFCI won’t reset is incorrect wiring. The LINE and LOAD terminals must be connected properly for the GFCI to work correctly. LINE wires bring power in, LOAD send power out.
Defective GFCI
If a GFCI outlet fails to reset even after correcting any wiring errors, the GFCI itself may simply be defective. Electrical components can wear out over time. In this case, the faulty GFCI will need to be replaced.
How to Reset a GFCI Outlet
Resetting a GFCI outlet is a fairly simple process, provided the outlet is wired correctly and functioning:
Step 1: Make Sure Power is Flowing
Use a non-contact voltage tester to confirm that power is flowing to the GFCI outlet. Check the circuit breaker feeding the outlet to ensure it’s switched on. The GFCI must have electricity to function and reset properly.
Step 2: Press the “Reset” Button
The “Reset” button on the GFCI outlet is most commonly located on the left. This button may need to be pressed very firmly and fully to click into place. You should hear an audible click when it resets.
Step 3: Check for Proper Function
After pressing Reset, plug a light or other appliance into the outlet to confirm it’s supplying electricity properly. The Reset button should remain in the “in” position.
Step 4: Test the GFCI
Test the outlet by pressing the “Test” button, which should trip the GFCI and cut power to the outlet. Press Reset again to restore power. The outlet should now be reset and working properly.
Troubleshooting GFCI Reset Issues
If your GFCI outlet still refuses to reset, there are some troubleshooting steps to identify the cause:
Inspect for Loose Wires
Shut off the circuit power and remove the outlet to inspect for any loose wire connections. Tighten any loose wires on the LINE and LOAD terminals. Ensure they are attached to the correct terminals.
Check for Faulty Wires
Faulty GFCI wiring that’s cracked or degraded can prevent resetting. Inspect wires for damage and replace any that are worn or split. Use electrical tape to reinforce small cracks.
Test for Miswiring
Use a GFCI outlet wiring tester to check for any LINE/LOAD reversed connections or other common miswiring problems. A tester can quickly pinpoint improper connections.
Replace Old/Defective GFCI
If you confirm the wiring is intact, the GFCI outlet itself may just be worn out or defective. A GFCI that’s old or damaged cannot operate properly. Replace it with a new GFCI of the same amperage rating.
Investigate Electrical Shorts
The GFCI may be tripping due to an electrical short somewhere in the circuit. Inspect all outlets, switches and junction points for signs of damage. Eliminate any shorts before resetting the GFCI.
Preventing Future GFCI Reset Problems
To help prevent issues with resetting GFCIs in the future, here are some tips:
Choose High-Quality GFCIs
Opt for commercial-grade, UL-approved GFCIs from reputable brands. Avoid cheap or counterfeit models that may not perform reliably.
Ensure Tight Wiring Connections
Double-check that all wires are firmly secured to the proper LINE and LOAD terminals during installation. Loose connections can cause GFCI failure.
Test GFCIs Regularly
Test outlets monthly by pressing the “Test” button to confirm they trip and reset properly. This can reveal any developing issues.
Avoid Moisture and Damage
Prevent moisture and physical damage to GFCI outlets. Install outdoor or garage GFCIs in weatherproof boxes. Replace old or cracked wall plates.
Hire an Electrician When Needed
For more complex GFCI repairs or replacements, hire a licensed electrician to ensure proper installation and avoid safety risks.
When to Call an Electrician
While many GFCI issues can be DIY repaired, it’s best to call a professional electrician if:
- You can’t determine the cause of the tripping/resetting issue
- The wiring is severely damaged or incorrectly connected
- Moisture or weather damage is present
- The GFCI circuit powers high-risk areas like bathrooms or kitchens
- You feel unsafe or unqualified working with electrical wiring
A licensed electrician has the proper training, knowledge and tools to safely diagnose and fix tricky GFCI problems. They can also install new GFCIs properly. This helps avoid electrocution hazards due to improper wiring.
FAQs about Resetting GFCIs
Why does my GFCI trip immediately when I reset it?
If a GFCI trips immediately after being reset, it typically indicates a ground fault is still present in the circuit somewhere. This is a safety feature to prevent potential electrocution. Faulty appliances or wiring damage can cause ground faults.
Can I reset a GFCI outlet without tester?
You can attempt to reset a GFCI outlet without a tester by simply pressing the “Reset” button firmly until it clicks and staying put. Check that it’s supplying power by plugging in a light. However, a GFCI tester is the best way to verify correct wiring and function.
If the GFCI reset button pops back out when pressed, it usually means the outlet is miswired or there is no power getting through. Check the LINE wire connections and circuit breaker. The reset button needs consistent power flowing to stay depressed.
Why won’t my bathroom or kitchen GFCI reset?
Kitchen and bathroom GFCIs often won’t reset due to moisture getting into the wiring. This can short and trip the circuit. Check for any water damage behind the outlet, dry out any damp wires and repair or replace damaged cables.
Can I just replace a GFCI outlet instead of resetting it?
You can replace a GFCI outlet that won’t reset, but first check the wiring connections. Replacing the outlet itself often doesn’t fix the underlying problem. Only install a new GFCI if the wiring is confirmed good but the outlet is defective.
Conclusion
Resetting a tripped GFCI outlet is typically a quick and simple process – just press the “Reset” button. But if the outlet refuses to reset, it likely indicates a ground fault, wiring error or defective device that needs troubleshooting.
Checking for loose wires, miswiring problems and faulty components can help trace the root issue. For particularly stubborn cases, replacement of the old GFCI with a new outlet may be required. When in doubt, consulting a qualified electrician is the safest bet to get your GFCI working reliably.