So your Kitchen or Bathroom GFCI Outlet Will not Reset: What happened, how to fix it.   And what not to do. 

Electricity is everywhere and just about the most important utility in society. In our homes and at work, we expect to use electricity without thinking about it, and that is how it should be. Sometimes there is a glitch and a light won’t turn on or the fridge stops working. In that case, you might find a tripped GFCI outlet to be the cause. 

A GFCI, or Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter, is a type of electrical outlet that has a built-in breaker that trips or shuts off current flow when it detects something wrong.  This error could be caused by a short or ground fault. These outlets are required in kitchens and bathrooms or any room where water is present. GFCI outlets are simple and reliable but, like any other electrical component, they have the potential to fail. GFCI outlets have a “test” button and a “reset” button on the outlet.  And typically have a status light as well.  Anytime you want to test the outlet, push the “test” button; if power to the device shuts off, it’s working properly.   The “reset” button does exactly what it says and will re-set the outlet. 

Troubleshooting a GFCI Outlet Problem 

One challenge when the outlet trips, is determining if only the outlet is faulty and must be replaced.   Or if it’s working properly and there is another problem that must first be resolved. The first step is to determine the extent of the problem. Is just one outlet tripped, are there lights in other rooms that no longer work or something else? Check the room as well as adjacent rooms as some circuits can be shared.  Unplug devices from each GFCI outlet and check to see if the “reset” button has popped out. Also check the breaker panel for tripped breakers. Older homes may have fuses if the main electrical panel has not been updated. If you find a tripped breaker, reset it. If you find a blown fuse, replace it. Then plug the devices back in and turn them on.   Simple troubleshooting techniques like these can take only several minutes and can save lots of money on a service appointment. 

Useful Tips Before Troubleshooting

It’s useful, but sometimes difficult to understand how a certain room is wired.   There are times when any number of outlets and switches are using the same circuit.  Let’s say you work at the kitchen table. The outlets at the kitchen counter are GFCIs, and those at the table where you plug your computer in are not. If all the outlets are on the same circuit and one of the outlets trips, and the non-GFCI outlets are connected in series with the GFCI, they will be “dead” or have no power.   The non-GFCI outlet at the table may be fine, but the upstream GFCI has tripped and shut off power. That’s why it’s good to know what outlets and switches are on a circuit. A short at a non-GFCI outlet can cause the GFCI to trip. You must check that outlet with an electrical tester or contact a licensed electrician. 

What to Try Now?

If you find only one GFCI has tripped but everything else seems okay, push the “reset” button in until it clicks into place.  This video might be useful.  You may need to use a tool if your finger will not fit but be careful not to push too hard with anything metal to reduce the possibility of electric shock.  When it clicks into place, plug the device(s) back in.  Check to see if everything works as designed and that the lights work.  If the GFCI trips or pops again, it’s time to call an electrician because there is a more serious issue at hand. 

Time To Call A Professional

If you have tried all these steps and you still have a problem, it is time to call for help. Electrical work is not a project for most DIY folks, as the risk of harm is just too great. Personal injury and property damage do occur when people do not know what they are doing. Fortunately, B&G Electrical Contracting is here to help.  You can call our office in Redmond, WA at 425-822-9487 and speak with an associate or go to our web site here to submit a work request. We will send over a licensed electrician who can solve your problems safely and economically.  And provide peace of mind that we all deserve during these trying times.