Why Won't My GFCI Outlet Reset?
by the Berry team · Updated
A GFCI that will not reset usually has no power reaching it, from a tripped breaker or another GFCI upstream, or it is detecting a ground fault that is still there, often moisture in an outdoor or bathroom outlet. If power is present and nothing is wet, the GFCI itself has likely failed, and replacing it costs about $15-$30 for the part or $100-$250 with an electrician.
Likely causes and what they cost to fix
Ordered roughly from most to least common. Start with the checks in order.
| Cause | How to recognize it | DIY cost | Pro cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| No power to the GFCI | The reset button will not latch at all, and no indicator light is on. A breaker or an upstream GFCI is tripped. | DIY$0 to reset | ProNo repair needed |
| Moisture in the outlet or a plugged-in device | Trips after rain, in a steamy bathroom, or with outdoor gear plugged in. Resets once things dry out. | DIY$10-$30 for a weatherproof in-use cover | Pro$100-$200 to install one |
| A faulty appliance or cord | Resets fine with nothing plugged in, then trips when one particular device is connected. | DIY$0 to test devices one at a time | ProRepair or replace the device |
| Worn-out GFCI | Power is present, everything is dry and unplugged, and it still will not reset. GFCIs wear out with age. | DIY$15-$30 for a new GFCI, if you are comfortable with wiring | Pro$100-$250 |
| Wiring fault downstream or miswired GFCI | Trips as soon as it is reset with nothing plugged in, or a newly installed GFCI will not reset at all. | DIYNot recommended | Pro$150-$400 |
Ranges are typical US prices and vary with your region, your home, and the season. A pro quote for your exact job beats any range.
What a GFCI does
A GFCI, or ground fault circuit interrupter, compares the current going out on the hot wire with the current coming back on the neutral. If some is leaking somewhere else, like through water or a person, it cuts the power in a fraction of a second. That is why GFCIs are required in kitchens, bathrooms, garages, basements, laundry areas, and outdoors. A GFCI that trips is protecting someone. The goal is to find out what it is reacting to.
Check these in order
- Unplug everything from the GFCI and every outlet downstream of it.
- Press reset firmly. It should click and stay in. Many GFCIs need power to reset, so if the button will not latch, check for power next.
- Check the breaker. Push it to off, then back on.
- Check for another GFCI. If this outlet is downstream of a GFCI in a bathroom, garage, or outside, reset that one first.
- Let it dry. If the outlet is outdoors or in a bathroom and has been wet, give it a day to dry before trying again.
- Plug devices back in one at a time to find any that make it trip.
Test GFCIs monthly
Manufacturers recommend testing GFCIs monthly. Press the test button. The reset button should pop out and power should cut off, which you can confirm with a lamp or nightlight. Press reset to restore it. If pressing test does nothing, or reset will not restore power with everything checked, the GFCI is not protecting you and should be replaced.
Replacing a GFCI
GFCI outlets have line terminals for incoming power and load terminals for the outlets downstream, and they will not work correctly if those are swapped. If you are comfortable with basic wiring, turn off the breaker, confirm power is off with a tester, photograph the wiring, and follow the instructions with the new GFCI exactly. If you are unsure which wires are line and which are load, call an electrician.
If the breaker trips along with the GFCI, see why a breaker keeps tripping. If outlets elsewhere are dead, see why an outlet is not working.
When to call a pro
- The GFCI trips the instant it is reset with nothing plugged in.
- A newly installed GFCI will not reset, which often means the line and load wires are reversed.
- The outlet box is wet inside, corroded, or scorched.
- You need GFCI protection added to a kitchen, bathroom, garage, or outdoor circuit that does not have it.
What makes it worse if you wait
- An outlet without working GFCI protection near water is a real shock risk.
- Moisture in an outdoor outlet box corrodes the terminals and makes nuisance trips more frequent.
- A device that keeps tripping a GFCI is leaking current, and it can get worse.
Common questions
Why will my GFCI not reset?
Most often there is no power reaching it, because a breaker or another GFCI upstream is tripped. It also will not reset while a ground fault is present, such as moisture in the outlet or a faulty plugged-in device. If power is present and nothing is wet, the GFCI may have failed.
Can a GFCI go bad?
Yes. GFCIs wear out over time. Test them monthly with the test button. If it will not trip on test, or will not reset with power present and everything unplugged, replace it.
How much does it cost to replace a GFCI outlet?
A GFCI outlet costs about $15-$30. An electrician typically charges about $100-$250 to replace one, or more if there is a wiring problem downstream.
Why does my GFCI trip when it rains?
Water is getting into the outlet, a cover, or something plugged into it, creating a small current leak to ground. Use a weatherproof in-use cover, keep cord connections off the ground, and let the outlet dry before resetting.
Not sure that's your problem? Snap a photo and Berry will tell you what it is and what it should cost.
Keep reading
- Why Is My Outlet Not Working?Why an outlet suddenly stops working, how to find the tripped GFCI or breaker behind it, when a switch controls it, and what outlet repairs cost.
- Why Does My Breaker Keep Tripping?Why a circuit breaker keeps tripping, how to tell an overload from a short or ground fault, what you can safely check, and what electrician repairs cost.
- Why Are My Lights Flickering?Why lights flicker in one fixture, one room, or the whole house, which causes are harmless and which are dangerous, and what fixes cost.
- Home Electrical Maintenance: What to Do, How Often, and What It CostsThe full electrical guide hub.