How to Repair a Tripping GFCI Outlet

GFI and GFCI Questions: The GFCI Does Not Always Trip, Lost Power to Other Plugs and Light, The GFI to my Bathroom Quit Working. How to Fix Common Problems with GFCI Outlets, Guide to Troubleshoot and Repair a GFCI Outlet Problem.

Guide to Troubleshoot and Repair a GFCI Outlet Problem
GFCI Electrical Questions: What is causing a GFCI outlet to trip off?

GFCI Problem #1: The GFCI Does Not Always Trip

I need help with a GFCI receptacle problem. I have a 120 VAC circuit in our basement that was installed when the house was built. As it was in an unfinished basement, it was terminated to a GFCI receptacle. While finishing the basement it would trip from time to time when we had multiple work lights and an air compressor plugged in. Once we started finishing this area we connected about 3 additional outlets to the GFCI circuit as well as 2 can lights, 2 down bar lights and a fan and light. While testing the lights, turning off the 3 way light it tripped. Was able to reset with the GFCI button. The GFI doesn’t always trip, just like it originally did when only the GFCI receptacle was on the dedicated circuit. Putting a tester in the GFCI outlet shows solid and good connections. Could it be the GFCI outlet or the 15A breaker in the electrical panel? This is a 14/2 cable.

Thanks, Jim
This electrical wiring question came from: Jim, from Montrose, Colorado.

GFCI Problem #2: Lost Power to Other Plugs and Light

I have a circuit with four GFCI outlets on it and light above kitchen sink. All of a sudden I still have power at the first two GFCI outlets but no power going to the other two or the light above the sink. What could have happened?

This electrical wiring question came from Russell, in Crandon, Wisconsin.

GFCI Problem #3: The GFI to my Bathroom Quit Working

The GFI to my bathroom quit working. Testing showed power to the outlet but it would not reset. I replaced the GFI with a new one from Lowe’s, but it still would not reset and still had power to the load side. The circuit breaker in the garage is 20amp and seems to be working as I used it to turn off the power while i was working on it.The circuit breaker is a square D. Could it be bad and the GFI kicks out before the breaker? This does control another outlet in the other bathroom. The home is 7 years old.

This electrical wiring question came from Bill, a Homeowner in Titusville, Florida.

Dave’s Reply to these GFCI Questions:
Thanks for your electric wiring question Jim and Russell.

How to Repair GFCI Outlets

Application: GFCI Outlet Repair.
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate – Best performed by a Licensed Electrician.
Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools and a Voltage Tester.
Estimated Time: Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools and the number of outlets that will be replaced.
Precaution: Identify the GFCI outlet circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring.
Notice: Installing additional basement electrical wiring should be done with a permit and be inspected.

Troubleshooting Checklist for GFCI Outlet Problems

Tripping GFCI

• It is rare that a circuit breaker would make a GFCI Outlet trip off, so I would not suspect the circuit breaker.

GFCI Wiring Problem

• The electrical wiring of the GFCI outlet should be checked to make sure the LINE and LOAD terminations are correct.

Faulty GFCI Test Button

• If the GFCI outlet cannot be tripped using the TEST Button, or the GFI Outlet RESET Button will not restore the power to the outlet and the wiring is correct then GFCI Outlet should be replaced.

New GFCI Outlet Problem

• If the GFCI Outlet has been replaced and the GFI Outlet tripping persists, then the Electrical Circuit may have a fault and will require testing, beginning with a Polarity Test.

How to Test a GFCI Outlet and GFCI Circuit

Testing a GFCI Protected Circuit

• GFCI Circuit Breakers and GFCI Outlets may go bad over time, so it is best to Test these devices periodically using the Test AND reset BUTTONS.

Testing a GFCI Receptacle Outlet

• If the circuit power is ON to the GFCI outlet and the wiring is correct and it does not trip OFF or RESET when tested then the GFCI outlet should be replaced.

Replacing a GFCI Circuit Breaker

• Special attention must be given for connecting the neutral wire of the GFI Protected Circuit inside the electric panel which is connected to the Neutral Terminal of the GFI Breaker.
• The white neutral wire that comes with the breaker is attached to the neutral terminal bar located in the electric service panel.
• IMPORTANT: Replacing a GFCI Circuit Breaker is best performed by a licensed electrician.

More about GFI Outlet Electric Wiring

Wiring GFI Outlets
GFCI and GFI Wiring Diagrams

• The features and benefits of GFCI outlets and receptacles will give you a clear understanding of the importance why these safety devices are required by code to help protect you and your family against accidental electrical shock hazards.

GFCI Wiring

• This list of articles will help you learn about the features and benefits provided by GFI and GFCI Receptacles and how they are wired.

Electrical Outlet Wiring

Wiring Electric Outlets for the Home

• Home electrical wiring includes 110 volt outlets and 220 volt outlets and receptacles which are common place in every home.
• How to wire electric outlets for the home.

Electrical Circuit Breakers

Home Electrical Circuit Breakers

• A guide to home electrical circuit breakers and how they work to protect your electrical wiring.
• When properly installed, your home electrical wiring is protected by a circuit protection device.

Using Electrical Testers

Understanding Electrical Testers

• When working on home electrical wiring using voltage testers can play an important part in electrical safety.
• Electrical testers enable you to identify electrical circuits and help prevent the possibility of accidental electrical shock.
• Types of Electrical Testers

• GFCI Electrical Codes
  
• Home Electrical Codes for GFCI
• Electrical Code Directory covering electrical codes for GFCI outlets.

The following may also be helpful for you:

Dave's Guide to Home Electrical Wiring: » You Can Avoid Costly Mistakes! « Wire It Right with the help of my Illustrated Wiring Book Great for any Home Wiring Project. Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring Perfect for Homeowners, Students, Handyman, Handy Women, and Electricians Includes: Wiring GFCI Outlets Wiring Home Electric Circuits 120 Volt and 240 Volt Outlet Circuits Wiring Light Switches Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Electric Range Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Dryer Cord and Dryer Outlet Troubleshoot and Repair Electrical Wiring Wiring Methods for Upgrading Electrical Wiring NEC Codes for Home Electrical Wiring ....and much more. Learn more about Home Electrical Wiring with my Online Video Course: Basic Home Electrical Wiring by Example

Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.

Electrical Tips to Help You Wire it Right The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires! The Non-Contact Electrical Tester This is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use. The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring! The Plug-In Outlet Tester This is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring. It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect Very handy and easy to use. Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire! The Wire Stripper and Wire Cutter My absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires. This handy tool has multiple uses: The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation. The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets.. The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use.

More articles about GFCI, GFI Outlet and Home Electrical Wiring:
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How to Repair a Kitchen GFCI Circuit	Possible Causes of Lost Electrical Power