By Kelley Electrical Contracting, LLC. Published October 16, 2026. Educational information, not a substitute for an on-site inspection.
What a GFCI does
A ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) watches for current leaking out of the circuit, for example through a person or through water, and shuts off power in a fraction of a second to prevent shock. Current code requires GFCI protection in many damp or wet locations, including bathrooms, kitchens, garages, laundry areas and outdoors.
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Why it will not reset
1. Something plugged in is faulty. Unplug everything on the GFCI and any outlets it protects, then press RESET.
2. Moisture got into an outdoor or garage outlet, box or cord. Let it dry and check weatherproof covers.
3. The GFCI has worn out. They can fail over time, and a unit that will not reset or trip properly should be replaced.
4. The wiring is wrong or damaged, for example the LINE and LOAD wires are reversed or a wire is nicked.
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GFCI vs AFCI
A GFCI protects people from shock. An arc-fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) detects dangerous arcing in wiring and cords to help prevent fires. Modern code requires AFCI protection on many living-area circuits, and some breakers combine both functions.
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Test them monthly
Press TEST: the outlet should cut power. Press RESET to restore it. If it does not trip, replace it.
Call (559) 940-1939Questions? Talk to a licensed electrician.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my GFCI keep tripping?
Moisture, a faulty appliance, a damaged cord or a failing GFCI. Unplug devices one at a time to find the cause.
Where should GFCI outlets be?
Kitchens, bathrooms, garages, outdoors, laundry and other damp or wet areas. Exact rules depend on the code edition your home was built under.
Can one GFCI protect other outlets?
Yes. Outlets wired downstream from the LOAD terminals of a GFCI are protected by it, which is why a dead outlet is often fixed by resetting a GFCI somewhere else.
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Sources and further reading
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