Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) are fantastic electrical devices that benefit us in several ways. The idea is that a GFCI shuts off after detecting a ground fault, which protects us from potential electric shocks. These outlets are commonplace in rooms with water sources like bathrooms, laundry rooms, or kitchens.
You must reset these outlets after they shut off, and this is normally a simple process. You can typically reset your GFCI by pressing the large red button that says “reset.” However, sometimes it just doesn’t seem to work. Here are a few reasons why your GFCI outlet won’t reset.
Loose Connections
Sometimes, the cause for a GFCI not resetting is as simple as a loose wire or a faulty connection. Some homeowners may want to test this for themselves with a wire connector or call in a certified electrician to reconnect everything. After installing and connecting your GFCI to your main system, you shouldn’t encounter that problem again.
Circuit Breakers
One of the reasons why your GFCI outlet won’t reset could be a tripped circuit breaker. It may be worth checking your electrical panel and resetting the breaker to see if that fixes the problem. If trying to reset the GFCI continues to trip your breaker, you likely have a short circuit and may need to investigate some more significant repairs.
Older Outlet
There are situations where you may notice that your breakers are in good shape and everything seems properly connected, but it’s still not working. In some cases, it’s just an older outlet that’s not working anymore. You probably don’t need to reset your GFCI very often, so a prolonged idle state can cause it to deteriorate and cease functioning. If nothing seems physically wrong, you may just need to replace it or have an electrician do an inspection for you.
Anson Electric is here for anyone looking for a residential electrician in San Diego. We have years of experience helping folks with their electrical needs, from home wiring to EV charging stations. To learn more about the services we have to offer or to schedule an appointment, feel free to contact us at any time for more details.
