GFCI Outlet Won't Reset
Your GFCI won't reset — here's why, and how to tell if it's a downstream fault, a dead GFCI, or missing power.
A GFCI that won't reset is usually telling you one of three things: (1) there's a real ground fault somewhere on the downstream circuit, (2) the GFCI has no power feeding it, or (3) the GFCI itself has failed — they die after 7-15 years and sometimes fail closed (won't reset).
Key details
- Real ground fault: something downstream is leaking
- No power feeding it: check the breaker
- Failed GFCI: they die with age
- Miswired Line/Load can prevent reset
- Test button trips but reset does nothing = failed GFCI
- Fully dead GFCI = no power to it
Isolate the fault
Unplug everything on the circuit — including permanently-connected appliances if possible. If the GFCI now resets, plug items back one at a time to find the offender. Common culprits: outdoor holiday lights after rain, aged refrigerators, older hair dryers.
Check power to the GFCI
If the reset button doesn't click when pressed (feels dead), the GFCI may have no line power. Check the breaker, and check the outlet that feeds it — GFCIs are sometimes wired downstream of a normal outlet.
Failed GFCI
GFCIs have a self-test circuit and fail closed as they age. If the test button trips but nothing happens on reset, or if a known-good replacement immediately works, the old GFCI has simply worn out.
GFCI Outlet Won't Reset — FAQs
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