What to do if GFCI breaker tripped and won't reset?

A ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) breaker is an important safety device that detects abnormal current flows and trips to prevent electric shock. However, GFCI breakers can sometimes trip unexpectedly or fail to reset. Troubleshooting a tripped GFCI that won’t reset takes some basic steps and safety precautions.

Why Won’t a GFCI Reset?

There are a few common reasons why a GFCI breaker won’t reset after it trips:

Faulty GFCI breaker – The GFCI breaker itself may be old or damaged and no longer functioning properly. A faulty breaker needs to be replaced.

GFCI tripped due to overload – Too many appliances or devices on the circuit can cause the GFCI to trip. Unplug some items to reduce the load.
Short circuit or damaged wiring – Damaged, deteriorated, or improperly installed wiring can cause a short leading to frequent tripping.
Moisture in the system – Moisture from condensation or a water leak can trip the GFCI breaker. Dry out the system before resetting.

Loose wire connection – A loose wire on the load or line side of the GFCI can cause improper power flows and tripping.
Faulty appliance or device – A damaged appliance or power tool with a ground fault will trip the GFCI when plugged in.

How to Reset a GFCI Breaker

Resetting a tripped GFCI outlet that won’t reset is a fairly simple process. Follow these steps:

Unplug appliances on the circuit – Unplug all appliances and devices from outlets protected by the GFCI. Reducing the load sometimes allows a stuck breaker to reset.
Press the “Reset” button – Locate the reset button on the GFCI breaker and firmly press it all the way in until you hear an audible click. This should reset the device. If it doesn’t, continue troubleshooting.
Check for voltage – Use a non-contact voltage tester to check for power on the outlet. No power could indicate a tripped breaker or an issue between the panel and outlet.

Flip main breaker off and on – Turn off the main breaker controlling the GFCI circuit, leave it off for 60 seconds, then switch it back on. This may provide a clean power flow.
Inspect wires and connections – Shut off the main breaker then remove the outlet to inspect wires for damage. Check that hot/neutral wires are securely attached.
Test GFCI with lamp – Plug in a lamp to the outlet and turn it on. Press the “Test” button on the GFCI. If the lamp stays on, the GFCI may be faulty.

Replace GFCI if needed – If you cannot get the GFCI to reset, it likely needs to be replaced. Install a new GFCI breaker of the same amperage rating.

Safety Tips for a Stuck GFCI

When dealing with a tripped GFCI breaker that refuses to reset, keep these safety tips in mind:

Turn off power – Turn off the main breaker supplying the GFCI before doing any troubleshooting or wiring work.

No amateur repairs – If you lack electrical training, call an electrician rather than attempt GFCI repairs yourself.
No overloading circuits – Make sure you don’t exceed the amperage rating of the GFCI or overload the circuit with too many appliances.
Use caution with moisture – Assume moisture is the problem if the GFCI is located in a bathroom, kitchen, laundry room or other damp location.

Check for ground faults – A device like a power drill or electric mower that trips the GFCI may have a ground fault and need repair.
Don’t use ungrounded outlets – Connecting equipment like refrigerators to ungrounded outlets downstream of a GFCI can lead to nuisance tripping.
Test GFCIs monthly – Test all GFCIs monthly by pressing the “Test” button to confirm they are functioning properly.

When to Call an Electrician

In some cases, it makes sense to contact a professional electrician to deal with a stubborn tripped GFCI. Consider calling for assistance if:

The GFCI trips repeatedly and you’ve eliminated overloading as a cause.
The GFCI won’t reset no matter what you try.

You have frequent problems with GFCIs tripping throughout the house.
There are no GFCI protected outlets downstream of the tripped GFCI.
The GFCI breaker feels hot when touched.

You see signs of damaged wires like scorch marks or exposed copper.
You lack experience working with electrical wiring and components.

A master electrician can use tools like continuity testers and clamp meters to properly diagnose GFCI issues and determine if replacement parts or wiring repairs are needed.

Common GFCI Problems

Here are some of the most frequent issues that can cause a GFCI to trip repeatedly or fail to reset:

Worn Out GFCI

Like other electrical components, GFCIs can wear out over time after 15-20 years. If a GFCI breaker or outlet is older than this, it may simply need to be replaced with a new device.

Faulty Wiring

Incorrectly installed wiring that is loose, deteriorated, or improperly grounded can interrupt the GFCI’s ability to monitor current flow and result in tripping. Rewiring by an electrician may be required.

Moisture & Water Leaks

Moisture from leaks, condensation, or high humidity can cause a GFCI to trip. Thoroughly dry out the GFCI and associated wiring before attempting to reset the device.

Overloaded Circuit

When there are too many appliances running on the circuit protected by the GFCI, the excessive load can cause the device to trip. Remove devices to reduce the load.

Short Circuits

Short circuits caused by damaged wires or devices can interrupt normal current flows and lead to tripping. A short also generates excessive heat that may damage the GFCI over time.

Shared Neutral Wires

When the incoming neutral wire of the GFCI is shared with other outlets, it can lead to imbalance in current flow that trips the GFCI. Separate neutral wires are needed.

Damaged Appliance or Tool

Any device with a ground fault condition can continually trip the GFCI without showing outward signs of damage. Test appliances individually to identify a faulty device.

Incorrect GFCI Installation

Errors in installation like reversed hot and neutral connections or improper grounding can lead to malfunctioning GFCIs. Professional wiring correction may be needed.

GFCI Breaker vs. GFCI Outlet

There are two common types of GFCIs in homes:

GFCI breaker – Found in the main electrical panel, this breaker provides protection to all outlets on the circuit.
GFCI outlet – Often found in bathrooms, kitchens, and garages. It provides protection just for itself and other outlets wired downstream.

The resetting process is the same, but a GFCI breaker is reset in the main panel while a GFCI outlet has a reset button on the receptacle itself.

Benefits of GFCI Breakers

Protects entire branch circuit, not just single outlet
Can’t be unplugged or bypassed like outlet

Resets conveniently in electrical panel
Required for kitchen small appliance circuits

Benefits of GFCI Outlets

Less expensive than breakers

No need to access main panel to reset
Can be installed in areas without GFCI protection
Portable for use on extension cords and power strips

How to Test a GFCI

GFCIs should be tested monthly to confirm proper operation and protection. Follow this procedure:

Plug a lamp into the outlet and turn it on.
Locate the “Test” button on the GFCI.

Press and hold the “Test” button until power cuts off and the lamp turns off.
Press the “Reset” button to restore power to the outlet.
If the lamp stays on when testing, the GFCI may not be working properly.

A defective GFCI that fails the test should be replaced. If it passes, you can be confident it will help protect against shocks and electrocution.

How to Replace a GFCI

Here are the steps to safely replace either a GFCI outlet or breaker:

Turn off the power at the main breaker panel.

Open the existing GFCI device to access the wires.
Carefully detach the hot, neutral, and ground wires.
Install the new GFCI unit following the manufacturer’s instructions.

Securely attach the wires to the matching terminals (line vs. load).
Double check that connections are tight.
Close up the outlet or breaker.

Restore power and test the new GFCI by pressing the “Test” button.

If you are at all unsure about safely replacing a GFCI, it’s advisable to call an electrician to get the job done properly.

Key Safety Tips for GFCI Replacement

Always turn off power at the main breaker panel

Use a voltage tester to be sure power is off
Carefully detach wires one at a time
Connect wires to matching terminals

Make sure connections are very tight
Close up the outlet or breaker before turning power back on

Where are GFCIs Required?

The National Electrical Code requires GFCI protection in bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, basements, garages, and other locations prone to wetness or moisture.

Required GFCI locations include:

Bathroom outlets
Outlets within 6 feet of a bathroom sink

Kitchen counters and islands
Kitchen outlets within 6 feet of a sink
Laundry and utility room outlets

Basement outlets
Garage outlets
Outdoor outlets

Crawl space outlets
Pool and spa outlets
Fountain outlets

GFCIs are also required for lighting outlet circuits in unfinished basements and storage spaces. All newly installed receptacles in remodeling projects also need GFCI protection.

Types of GFCIs

There are a few different types of GFCI devices:

GFCI receptacle outlet – The standard GFCI outlet that can be installed in place of a normal outlet.

GFCI circuit breaker – found in the breaker panel and protects the full circuit.
Portable GFCI – A portable GFCI module that can be plugged into a normal outlet to provide protection.
GFCI power strip – Provides multiple GFCI protected outlets from one plug-in unit.

There are also GFCI outlets available in tamper-resistant designs to prevent curious children from inserting objects. Any of these GFCI options provide reliable ground fault protection.

How Does a GFCI Work?

A GFCI monitors electricity flowing along hot and neutral conductor wires in a circuit. It detects any imbalance in current and trips in as little as 1/40th of a second to break the flow of electricity.

This protects against ground faults, where an electrical charge leaks from a hot wire through water or a person’s body to reach the ground. Without a GFCI, this shock can seriously injure or kill someone.

A GFCI compares the currents on the hot and neutral wires. If they are unbalanced, it indicates electricity is escaping the circuit, so the GFCI cuts power. This prevents electrocution from malfunctioning appliances, damaged cords, water immersion, etc.

Key Components of a GFCI

The main internal parts of a GFCI include:

Transformer – Reduces 120 or 240V AC power to around 5V to power the circuitry.

Comparator – Continuously compares the currents on the hot and neutral wires.
Solid State Relay – Opens the circuit when an imbalance is detected to cut power flow.
Internal Circuit Breaker – Provides overload and short circuit protection.

When these components detect a difference of 5 milliamps or more between the hot and neutral currents, the GFCI interrupts the flow of electricity to prevent electrocution.

GFCI vs. AFCI vs. RCD

GFCIs aren’t the only advanced electrical safety devices. Two others that provide protection are AFCIs and RCDs:

GFCI

Detects current leaking to ground

Prevents electrical shocks
Required in wet, damp locations

AFCI

Detects arcing and sparking

Prevents electrical fires
Required in living spaces

RCD

Detects any current imbalance

Alternative to GFCI in Europe
Faster tripping than GFCI

While AFCIs, GFCIs, and RCDs work differently, they all help protect homes from electrical dangers.

Conclusion

Troubleshooting and resetting a tripped GFCI is generally straightforward, but can occasionally require an electrician’s expertise if faulty wiring or a malfunctioning device is involved. With a basic understanding of how GFCIs work and what causes them to trip, most issues can be identified and resolved fairly easily.

Key things to remember are to unplug devices from the outlet, check for loose wires, test components, and confirm moisture hasn’t entered the electrical system. And always take proper safety precautions when working with electrical wiring and components to avoid shocks or electrocution.

GFCIs play an important role in preventing thousands of dangerous and potentially fatal electric shock incidents every year. Taking steps to properly install, maintain, and reset them helps keep homes safe.