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Here are four reasons your GFCI outlet keeps tripping and what you should do. 

1. Moisture in the Receptacle Box 

The accumulation of moisture is another major cause of GFCI tripping. Outdoor installations are the most vulnerable and rain is the most common culprit. H 

Start your search by inspecting the receptacle box. Be sure to turn off the breaker before opening the box containing the receptacle. The box must be dry before you attempt to reset the GFCI. It is possible to speed up this drying process using a simple tool such as blow dryer, but that part is best left to a professional. 

If the installation is outdoors or located in high humidity areas, such as the bathroom or kitchen, make sure the box is weatherproof and locked even when the receptor is in use. The presence of moisture can expose you to the risk of accidental electric shock. 

2. Overloaded Circuit 

Circuit overload occurs when more amperage flows through an electric wire or circuit than it can handle. This may happen if you connect malfunctioning or defective appliances. Loose, corroded wires or connections may also be to blame. Once the GFCI outlet senses an overload, it trips or “breaks” the circuit. 

If you want to determine if overloading is really the problem, follow these steps in order. 

• Unplug all the appliances connected to the circuit in question 
• Reset the circuit on your fuse box 
• Wait several minutes 
• Plug an appliance back in and turn it on 
• Check to see that your circuit has not tripped 
• Plug in the next appliance, turn it on, check the breaker and so on Unplug all the appliances connected to the circuit in question 

You may find you’ll need to replace the items causing the problem. 

If the problem keeps reoccurring, you may need a new dedicated circuit and outlet that can handle the amperage required by the appliances. 

3. Electrical Fault 

If your GFCI outlet trips consistently, it could be an electric fault resulting from faulty structural wiring. An electrical outlet connected to the same circuit could also be the source of the problem, especially if it was not part of the original wiring of your home. In the case of an electrical fault, you will need a professional electrician to fix the problem. 

4. Faulty GFCI Outlet 

If you’ve tried all else and the GFCI outlet reset doesn’t solve the problem, that means outlet itself is defective. GFCI have highly responsive internal circuitry to detect whenever there’s a flaw in the electric system. With time, the sensitive circuitry wears out, rendering the outlet dysfunctional. In this case, the outlet will need repairing or even replacing and should be done by a qualified electrician. 

Find an Electrician You Trust 

Glen Davis Electric offers a range of commercial and residential services. We have highly-trained, licensed and equipped technicians. If you’re experiencing GFCI outlet tipping issues, contact us to schedule an appointment.  

We understand the current impact corona virus (COVID-19) has had on our communities. Our hearts go out to the friends and family of those impacted. As an essential business, we will remain open to serve you! Our office hours are 8 am – 5 pm Monday through Thursday and 8 am – 2 pm on Fridays. We are following the guidelines set forth by the CDC, and are greatly increasing our efforts proactively sanitize common surfaces.

Sincerely, The team at Glen Davis Electric

Ideally, for any electrical job. The benefits of hiring a dedicated professional are pretty noteworthy, which makes seeking out a master-certified technician worth your effort. Master certified electricians can guarantee:

• A job done right. And done right on the first try! Through extensive training and knowledge master electricians are at the peak of electrical service and skills. That means no mess ups, no do-overs, and no wasted money on a botched job.
• High quality products. Electrical contractors who employ, or are made up of, master electricians have access to top of the line equipment and products. And often they get them at a lower rate—savings that are often passed along to a client.
• Access to major projects. A big part of getting master certified is being able to demonstrate mastery over planning, electrical design, and heavier duty installations. That means when you want a complete home rewire you want a master certified electrician.
• Insured labor. Any good electrical contractor worth his or her salt is going to insure projects, both for the protection of the client and the protection of technicians. It’s another great layer of defense against problems, and is something you should always seek when you need electrical work done.