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GFCI outlet not working? How to reset it and find the right one

A dead bathroom or garage outlet is often fine. It's usually being shut off by a GFCI somewhere else on the same circuit, and finding that one is the whole trick.

Updated · 6 min read

  • DifficultyEasy
  • Time5–20 minutes
  • If you need helpElectrician

A GFCI, short for ground fault circuit interrupter, is the outlet with the two small buttons marked test and reset. It cuts power in a split second if electricity starts leaking where it shouldn't, such as through water or a person. That's why you'll find them in bathrooms, kitchens, garages, basements and outdoors.

When a GFCI trips, it can also shut off other ordinary-looking outlets wired after it. So a dead bathroom outlet with no buttons may be controlled by a GFCI in a different bathroom, the garage or on the back porch. Once you know that, most dead outlets take five minutes to fix.

What you'll need

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Reset the GFCI in front of you

  1. Unplug everything. Unplug whatever was plugged into the dead outlet and nearby outlets. A faulty hair dryer or a wet extension cord can trip it again.
  2. Press reset firmly. Push the reset button until it clicks and stays in.
  3. Check for power. Plug in a lamp or charger. If it works, plug your things back in one at a time.
  4. If reset won't stay in. Leviton says a GFCI will not reset if there's no power on the circuit. Go check your breaker panel next.

Find the GFCI that controls a dead outlet

The CPSC explains that a GFCI outlet protects whatever is plugged into it and also outlets further "down stream" on the same circuit. Those downstream outlets often look normal, with no buttons at all. Some have a small sticker that says "GFCI protected," which is a clue.

  1. Check the same room. Look at every outlet in the room, including behind appliances and under counters.
  2. Check nearby wet areas. Walk through every bathroom, the kitchen, laundry area, garage, basement and the outdoor outlets. One GFCI may protect outlets in more than one room.
  3. Look for a tripped one. The reset button on a tripped GFCI usually pops out a little. Some have a light that changes color.
  4. Press reset on each one. Press reset on every GFCI you find, then go back and check the dead outlet.
  5. Write it down. Once you find it, label the dead outlet's cover with a note like "GFCI in garage" so you know next time.

Check for a GFCI breaker in the panel

The CPSC notes that GFCI protection can also be built into a circuit breaker in your panel. A GFCI breaker protects every outlet, light and appliance on that circuit. It has its own small test button.

  1. Open the panel door. Only the door. Don't remove the cover. See how to read your breaker panel.
  2. Look for a test button. GFCI breakers have a small button on the face of the breaker.
  3. Look for a tripped handle. A tripped breaker usually sits in the middle position.
  4. Reset it. Push the handle all the way off, then all the way on. Our guide to resetting a tripped breaker walks through it.

Test your GFCIs every month

The CPSC recommends testing GFCIs at least once a month, after a power failure, and as the manufacturer instructs. Here's the CPSC's method:

  1. Plug in a lamp. Plug a lamp into the GFCI and turn it on.
  2. Press test. The lamp should go out.
  3. Press reset. The lamp should come back on.
  4. Read the results. If the lamp doesn't go out when you press test, the CPSC says the GFCI isn't working or was installed wrong, and an electrician should check it. If the lamp won't come back on after reset, the GFCI should be replaced.

Add a monthly reminder with our maintenance calendar.

When to call a pro

Call a licensed electrician if:

  • The GFCI trips again as soon as you reset it, even with nothing plugged in.
  • The lamp stays on when you press test. That outlet isn't protecting you.
  • The GFCI won't reset even though the breaker is on, or its warning light stays red.
  • You can't find any GFCI or tripped breaker that brings the outlet back.
  • The outlet is warm, scorched, buzzing or smells like burning.
  • Bathroom, kitchen, garage or outdoor outlets in your home have no GFCI protection at all.

GFCIs have separate line and load connections, and wiring them backward can leave you unprotected. Before any wiring work, an electrician will turn off the breaker and confirm power is off with a non-contact voltage tester. Permit rules vary by city and county. Renters should report a faulty GFCI to the landlord. Not sure? Try our fix it or call a pro quiz.

Keep it from happening again

  • Test every GFCI once a month, and after any power outage.
  • Use weatherproof "in-use" covers on outdoor outlets so rain can't get in while something is plugged in.
  • Keep cords and plugs away from sinks, tubs and puddles.
  • Label each protected outlet with where its GFCI is, so anyone in the house can find it quickly.
  • If a GFCI trips often with the same tool or appliance, stop using that item and have it checked.

Common questions

Why won't my GFCI outlet reset?

The most common reason is that there's no power reaching it. Leviton notes a GFCI will not reset if there is no power on the circuit, so check your breaker panel first. If power is on and it still won't reset, the GFCI may have reached the end of its life and should be replaced.

How often should I test GFCI outlets?

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends testing GFCIs at least once a month, after a power failure, and according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Why is my bathroom outlet dead when it has no buttons?

It's probably protected by a GFCI outlet somewhere else, such as another bathroom, the garage or outside. The CPSC explains that a GFCI outlet also protects other outlets further down the same circuit. Reset that one and the dead outlet comes back.

Can I replace a GFCI outlet myself?

GFCIs have separate line and load terminals, and wiring them backward can leave you without shock protection. Unless you have electrical experience, have a licensed electrician replace it. Permit rules vary by city and county.

Sources

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