GFCI Outlet Won’t Reset? What Is Happening and What to Do

It compares the current going out with the current coming back.

CPSC explains that a ground fault circuit interrupter constantly monitors a circuit. If the current flowing out differs from the current returning by as little as 0.006 amperes — six milliamps — it cuts power faster than the blink of an eye, before the leak through a person can affect their heartbeat. A ground fault is an unintended path to ground, most often from damaged or defective equipment.

Under the National Electrical Code, GFCI protection has been required over time for outdoor receptacles (1973), bathrooms (1975), garages (1978), kitchens (1987), crawl spaces and unfinished basements (1990), wet bar sinks (1993), and laundry and utility sinks (2005). Older homes may lack it where newer codes require it.

One GFCI can protect a whole run of outlets.

CPSC notes that a GFCI receptacle protects whatever is plugged into it and other outlets further downstream on the same branch circuit. A GFCI breaker in the panel protects every outlet, light, and appliance on its circuit. So a dead outlet with no test button is often downstream of a tripped GFCI somewhere else — check bathrooms, the kitchen, the garage, outdoors, and the basement for a tripped one before assuming a wiring failure.

Work through the likely reasons in order.

1. No power reaching it. Check the breaker for that circuit, and look for another GFCI upstream that has tripped.
2. A fault is still present. Unplug everything from it and from the outlets downstream, then try again. If it resets with nothing connected, plug devices back one at a time; the one that trips it is the one to repair or replace.
3. The device has failed. CPSC notes that blackouts and power disturbances can sometimes damage a GFCI.

Monthly, after installation, and after a power failure.

Plug a lamp into the outlet and turn it on. Press the test button: the lamp should go out. If it does not, the GFCI is not working or is wired incorrectly — contact a qualified electrician. Press reset: the lamp should come back on. If it does not, CPSC says to replace the GFCI.

Who should do the work.

CPSC says receptacle-type GFCIs may be installed by people with adequate knowledge and skills who follow the device instructions, and that a qualified electrician should do it otherwise. A GFCI can replace an ungrounded two-slot receptacle, labeled “No equipment ground.” For outdoor tools and lawn equipment where no GFCI is installed, CPSC suggests a portable GFCI.