GFCI Won't Reset? Why It Happens and What to Do
Short answerA GFCI that won't reset usually has no power reaching it, a ground fault still on the line, reversed wiring after an install, or an internal failure. Check the breaker, unplug everything on that GFCI and downstream outlets, and press RESET. If it still won't reset, call an electrician to replace or rewire it.
Safety first
- Keep hands dry and do not touch an outlet that is wet. Water is one common reason these outlets stop working.
- A GFCI that will not reset may not be protecting you. Do not plug things into it or bypass it.
- Do not change the wires yourself. Have a licensed electrician handle any wiring.
Likely causes
| Cause | How to tell | What fixes it |
|---|---|---|
| No power reaching the outlet | The breaker is tripped, or another GFCI upstream has tripped. | Reset the breaker and any other GFCI, then press RESET. |
| Ground fault still present | It resets once you unplug everything, then trips when one item goes back in. | Stop using that item, and have it repaired or replaced. |
| Moisture or wiring fault downstream | It will not reset with everything unplugged, often after rain or a leak. | Do not use it. Leviton lists water exposure as a reason to replace a GFCI, so have an electrician check it and trace the fault. |
| Line and load wires reversed | It has never worked since it was installed or replaced. | An electrician corrects the wiring. |
| Failed GFCI | The face is discolored, cracked or warped, plugs are loose, it got wet, or it fails the test. | An electrician replaces the outlet. |
Why this is a job for a professional
- It will not reset after you check the breaker and unplug everything.
- It trips again with nothing connected.
- You see scorching, or there is a burning smell or sparks.
- Ask: was this a failed outlet, a fault on the line or a wiring error? Which other outlets does this GFCI protect? Will you test it after installing it?
What it costs to have fixed
Outlet Replacement is estimated at $100 to $330 nationally. See your state
Common questions
Why won't my GFCI outlet reset?
It may have no power, or it may sense a fault. The lockout feature stops it from resetting when conditions are unsafe. Check the breaker, unplug everything downstream, and try again.
How often should I test a GFCI?
Press TEST and then RESET every month. NC State Extension also suggests testing after an electrical storm.
What does a GFCI do?
It cuts off a circuit when the current could be a shock hazard. NFPA says your home should have them in the kitchen, bathrooms, laundry, basement, garage and outdoor areas.
Do I replace a GFCI that will not reset?
If you have ruled out power and downstream faults, yes. Leviton says a GFCI that cannot be reset must be replaced. An electrician can also confirm the wiring is right.
Where are GFCI outlets required?
The National Electrical Code decides that. A CPSC fact sheet dated 09/2010 lists it by year: outdoors since 1973, bathrooms since 1975, garages since 1978, kitchens since 1987, crawl spaces and unfinished basements since 1990, wet bar sinks since 1993, and laundry and utility sinks since 2005. The code is revised every three years, so current and local rules may go further; ask your building department. Source
Are GFCI outlets required in older homes?
Not automatically. CPSC notes that the National Electrical Code typically applies only to new construction and major renovations. CPSC still encourages wider use of GFCIs, and an electrician can add them to an older home. Source
Can a GFCI replace a two-prong outlet with no ground?
Yes, CPSC says a GFCI can replace an older ungrounded, two-slot receptacle, as long as it carries the supplied label reading No Equipment Ground, GFCI Protected. It adds shock protection but does not make the outlet grounded, and CPSC says a qualified electrician may install it. Source
Related repairs
- Breaker Keeps Tripping? Causes and When to Call
- Ceiling Fan Not Working? Safe Checks Before You Call
- Lights Flickering in House? Causes and What to Do
- Outlet Not Working? What to Check Before You Call
Last verified 2026-11-01
Sources
- Leviton: How to Reset a GFCI Outlet After Lockout — What lockout means, its four causes, checking the breaker and unplugging everything, and replacement signs
- Leviton: Installing and Testing a GFCI Receptacle — Pressing TEST then RESET every month; a GFCI that cannot be reset must be replaced
- NC State Extension: Preventative Home Maintenance — Testing GFCIs monthly and after an electrical storm
- NFPA: Electrical Safety Checklist — What GFCIs do and the rooms that should have them
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.