Can GFCI Outlets Go Bad?
What this costs
| Option | Job | Low | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Replace | Outlet Replacement | $100 | $330 |
How to test it
CPSC's steps: plug a lamp into the outlet and turn it on. Press the test button. The light should go out. Press reset, and the light should come back. If it doesn't go out, the GFCI isn't working or wasn't installed correctly.
Signs one is failing
- It won't reset after troubleshooting, Leviton says.
- The face is discolored, cracked or warped, or plugs feel loose.
- It has been exposed to water.
- The outlet is warm or discolored. NFPA says to call a qualified electrician for that.
Why the test matters
A GFCI shuts off power to protect you from a shock, and a working outlet doesn't prove the protection works. We expect a failed one may still deliver power, depending on the model. CPSC treats the test as the check, so don't skip it just because your outlet still runs the toaster.
What to do next
CPSC says consumers with adequate knowledge and skills may install a receptacle-type GFCI, following its instructions, and that when in doubt you should contact a qualified electrician. Leviton says the wiring step should go to a licensed electrician unless you're experienced. If it trips again and again, we expect the cause may be on the circuit and not in the outlet. We didn't find an official figure for how long a GFCI lasts.
GFCI Won't Reset? Why It Happens and What to Do
Common questions
How long do GFCI outlets last?
Can I replace a GFCI with a regular outlet?
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Last verified 2026-11-04
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission: What is a GFCI? fact sheet (Pub. 099, September 2010) — Test after installation, at least monthly and after a power failure; if the light doesn't go out, contact a qualified electrician.
- Leviton: How to reset a GFCI outlet after lockout — Age, moisture or internal failure can make a GFCI malfunction; replace if discolored, cracked, warped, loose or water-exposed.
- National Fire Protection Association: Electrical safety checklist (2017) — Call a qualified electrician for warm or discolored outlets; where a home should have GFCIs.
General information, not professional advice. Conditions, codes and prices vary. Turn off power, gas or water before any work, and hire a licensed professional when in doubt. Cost figures are our estimates, not quotes.