GFCI Outlet Keeps Tripping? Here’s Why and What to Do Next

Breaker trips are a safety backup that shut off power to an electrical appliance to prevent overheating or because an unusual current flow has been detected. GFCI outlets, or ground force circuit interrupters, are outlets designed to protect people from electric shock by shutting off the current if there is a leak. They are required in areas where water and electricity are likely to meet, like in kitchens, bathrooms, outdoors, basements, etc. Because GFCI outlets are designed to trip the instant a leak is detected, it can be common that they trip in these areas every now and then. But if you’re experiencing frequent tripping in a GFCI outlet, there is definitely something worth investigating.

How Does a GFCI Work?

Standard breakers can protect wiring from overheating and starting a fire, but they can’t protect against severe electrical shocks that can happen in a second when there is an electricity leak. A GFCI outlet continuously monitors the electrical current traveling in and out. If there is even the smallest leak of electricity going somewhere it shouldn’t be, the outlet trips in milliseconds. As opposed to protecting the system or house as a whole from an electrical fire, GFCI outlets are designed to protect people specifically from electrocution. They are required in outlets installed near a water source, common in places like kitchens and bathrooms. Changing a GFCI outlet requires very specific work that should only be handled by an experienced electrician so that you can be sure it is working correctly.

They can also be wired to protect standard outlets that are downstream, meaning outlets beyond the kitchen, bathroom, or any place else a GFCI outlet is placed can also be protected with the same power shut-off design. GFCI outlets are identifiable by the “test” and “reset” buttons on the face.

Why Your GFCI Outlet Keeps Tripping

Water in or near the outlet can be a common reason a GFCI outlet is tripping repeatedly. If the outlet is near a sink in the bathroom, kitchen, or garage, water can easily get into the outlet and cause the safety feature to kick in. However, if you are noticing the outlet tripping specifically during the rain, fog, or when sprinklers are running, it could be that moisture is getting into the receptacle box.

A faulty cord or appliance could also be the explanation for a GFCI outlet that keeps tripping. If a cord becomes damaged or an appliance has a malfunction, this can cause the GFCI outlet to trip. If you notice the trips are only happening with a specific appliance or power cord, it is likely the issue is with that appliance or power cord.

A loose wire further downstream affecting the main outlet is another issue that can cause constant tripping. Even if it is not a fault with the GFCI outlet itself, if it is connected to a separate outlet that is having an issue, this can cause tripping.

If a GFCI outlet is old or defective, it can trip for no clear reason. If it is tripping when nothing is plugged in or will not reset, this is a sign that the device could be worn out or have an issue. Replacing a GFCI outlet is a job best left to an electrician.

Several appliances leaking a tiny bit all at once can cause tripping in a GFCI outlet, particularly if all of them are running at once. If you notice trips happening only when several different appliances nearby are running at the same time, this could be a sign that there are small electrical leaks in multiple of the appliances that could be setting off the trip.

Faulty wiring in the circuit can be a cause of GFCI outlet trips. Exposed or frayed wiring materials or loose connections along the circuit can be a large electrical fire risk and therefore cause the outlet to trip.

An overloaded circuit is a common problem that leads to tripping. If you have too many appliances plugged in that exceed the circuit’s capacity, the outlet will trip. Flickering lights, scorched outlets, or buzzing sounds can also be a sign of an overloaded circuit. If you are noticing frequent outlet trips, take note of the devices you have plugged into the same circuit such as toasters, hairdryers, power tools, etc.

What You Can Do Next

If you are dealing with constant trips in your GFCI breaker installation for no clear reason, there are several steps to being troubleshooting.

Time of the Trip

Before hitting the GFCI outlet reset button, see if you can pinpoint the specific instances the trips occur. Do they only occur with a certain appliance running? Do they happen after irrigation has run or when there has been rain? Taking note of these things can help pinpoint what the issue might be.

Unplug

Unplug all of the appliances from the GFCI outlet as well as any downstream devices it is linked to. If you see any signs of severe damage at this point in the process, contact a local electrician.

Reset

Press the reset button on the GFCI outlet. If it stays reset, the breaker tripping issue is most likely being caused by a singular device malfunction or an overloaded circuit. If the outlet trips immediately after the reset, the problem is moisture in the outlet, damaged wiring, or a faulty GFCI outlet.

Isolate Appliances

Before changing a GFCI outlet, make sure the problem isn’t from specific appliances. Plug the devices in one by one to test each one. If the outlet trips after plugging in one of the appliances, this device is most likely leaking current and needs repair.

Inspect for Moisture

Look at the switch plates and the electrical box for any signs of corrosion or moisture to try to determine if the problem is stemming from water getting into the outlet. Let the box dry out completely if you find any moisture before attempting to use it again. Replacing a GFCI outlet may be necessary if it has sustained significant damage.

What NOT to Do

Though there are many troubleshooting techniques you can try on your own, there are several things to be careful of when it comes to testing your GFCI breaker installation.

• Don’t hold the rest button in position. If you force the reset button to hold, by taping it for example, you are removing the protection the outlet is supposed to offer instead of addressing the problem.
• Don’t assume GFCI outlet trips are a fluke. Always inspect the issue, either with your own troubleshooting or by calling an electrician.
• Don’t try to remove the GFCI protection from downstream outlets. The protection is there for a reason and a licensed electrician will need to monitor any changes made.
• Don’t open any boxes or attempt to remove any outlets or wiring yourself. This is extremely dangerous and should only be done by professional electricians with the proper tools and training.
• Don’t leave a GFCI outlet that won’t reset. It is a warning sign that a circuit or the device itself is faulty and should be addressed right away.

When to Call a Local Electrician

If you’ve gone through the troubleshooting steps like hitting the GFCI outlet reset button or checking for signs of moisture and have determined the issue is the wiring or device itself, a downstream problem, or water leaking into the electrical box, it is best to call a local electrician to repair the issue. John Owens Services has served the Marin and Sonoma County areas with expert electrical services for thirty years. Having been in business since 1986, we have a long history of reputable work in the counties of Sonoma and Marin. We bring years of expertise to every job we go to so that we can leave you with fully operational electrical appliances that serve you for years to come without issues. If you are looking for a reliable technician homeowners trust with their electrical work, contact us today and we can repair your GFCI outlet problem right away!

Key Takeaways

• GFCI outlets protect you from electrical shock by constantly monitoring for tiny electricity leaks, where it can then shut off power.
• Common reasons GFCI outlets trip are from water getting into the outlet, faulty appliances or power cords, loose wiring downstream, an overloaded circuit, or a defective GFCI outlet.
• Unplugging each appliance, resetting the breaker, watching out for the time of the trip, and inspecting for moisture around the switch plates are all ways to troubleshoot a tripping GFCI outlet.
• Never force the reset button to hold, ignore the issue, or try to remove any wiring or GFCI protection from your outlets.
• Call on a local electrician like John Owens Services if you have troubleshot all you can and need a licensed professional to repair the issue.