![]() ![]() Now that you’ve troubleshot the GFCI outlet, here’s what you can do to prevent future GFCI outlet trips: Replace Old GFCI Outlets Step 3: Prevent GFCI Outlets From Tripping Structural wiring is a complicated system, and it’s not always easy to pinpoint the source of the problem, especially if the previous steps haven’t fixed the outlet.Īt this point, you should have a qualified electrician inspect the situation. If all else fails, there’s a good chance the problem is more complicated than a simple DIY solution. In this case, you’ll need a professional to take a look. If the circuit breaker trips back immediately, there’s possibly a problem with the wiring or the circuit. Look for the circuit breaker that isn’t aligned with the rest and push the handle to reset it.Ī GFCI outlet not working after install may be fixed by this simple step. ![]() Now it’s time to check the circuit breaker box or main electrical panel for any tripped circuit breakers. However, if the outlet trips once you reset it, it could be overloaded.Ĭheck which appliance is causing the issue by plugging them one at a time until the outlet trips. If you hear a click, plug in the appliances. What distinguishes GFCI outlets from regular ones are the test and reset buttons (sometimes they are black and red, and other times both are white).įirst, make sure that all appliances sharing the same circuit as the GFCI outlet are unplugged. Step 2.2: Test and Reset All GFCI Outlets You should also unplug all appliances from the dead outlets to eliminate any overload. This way, you can easily find them again once you’ve turned off the power. Step 2: Troubleshoot the GFCI Outlet Step 2.1: Check Other Outletsīefore you examine the circuit breakers, check if any other outlets aren’t working, such as light switches and regular outlets using a voltage detector, which you can find out more about here.Īs you check the outlets, mark the dead ones with a piece of masking tape. If the faulty GFCI outlet is located outside and has stopped working after a rain, you may need a hairdryer to dry the outlet first before you inspect it. You won’t need more than a handful of necessary tools to fix a non-working GFCI outlet, and these tools are: Here’s what you could do: Step 1: Prepare the Necessary Tools In many cases, you can solve the problem that’s causing a non-working GFCI outlet on your own. While GFCI outlets can last for a long time, they can fail after only five years. If you address all of the issues and the GFCI still doesn’t work, the problem is most likely with the outlet itself. In addition, an outlet connected to the same circuit that isn’t part of the house’s original wiring can trip the GFCI outlet. Faulty WiringĪ new GFCI outlet that isn’t working no matter what you do could be due to faulty structural wiring. Most of the time, an outdoor GFCI outlet not working isn’t weatherproofed and locked, which makes it susceptible to tripping. Whether the culprit is rain or high humidity, moisture build-up in a GFCI outlet’s receptacle box can damage it. It may also occur if there are any loose, corroded wires or connections. When you plug in a faulty appliance, you are likely to experience circuit overload. ![]() When an outlet can’t handle the amount of amperage that flows through it, the outlet can get overloaded, causing it to trip. When a GFCI detects the slightest current leakage, it immediately stops working. Current LeakageĬurrent leakage, or ground fault, happens when a live wire comes into contact with an appliance’s grounded metal or suffers from an insulation failure. ![]() Here are some of the possible causes for a GFCI outlet to stop working. The purpose of these outlets is to protect us from electric shocks and burns.Īs a result, GFCI outlets are typically installed in locations where there’s a high risk of electrical shocks, such as kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, basements, garages, and outdoor areas. Let’s get started! What Is a GFCI Outlet?Ī GFCI outlet is a fast-acting circuit breaker that’s designed to shut off or block power in the event of a ground fault in less than 1/40th of a second. Then, I’m going to show you how to use the same steps to fix a dead regular outlet. You can get the outlet to work again with the right tools and a little troubleshooting.īefore I show you how to repair a GFCI outlet, I’ll explain what a GFCI outlet is and some of the possible reasons why a GFCI outlet won’t reset. You don’t have to reach for the phone and call your electrician just yet. If that doesn’t work, however, the situation may appear hopeless. Sometimes a GFCI outlet not working is a minor issue that you can resolve by pressing the reset button. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |