House Problem Guide

Category: Electrical

Dead outlets, tripping breakers and GFCI outlets that will not reset.

  • GFCI Outlet Won’t Reset or Keeps Tripping

    Short answer: A GFCI that will not reset either has no power coming to it (check the breaker and any GFCI upstream), is detecting a real ground fault (moisture, a damaged cord, a faulty appliance), or has failed. Unplug everything and try RESET. If it still will not reset or keeps tripping with nothing connected, have an electrician check it. ESFI recommends testing GFCIs every month.

    Quick diagnosis

    What you noticeMost likely causeWhat to checkCall a pro?
    RESET will not stay inNo power to the GFCI, or it has failedCheck the breaker and other GFCIsIf power is there
    Trips when one appliance is plugged inFaulty appliance or cordTry the appliance on another GFCIRepair or replace the appliance
    Trips after rainMoisture in an outdoor outlet or boxCheck covers and boxes are dryOften
    Trips with nothing plugged inWiring fault, moisture or worn GFCIUnplug all and resetYes
    Green light on but no powerDevice faultTest with a lampYes

    Test it the way ESFI recommends

    1. Plug a nightlight or lamp into the GFCI and turn it on.
    2. Press TEST. The light should go off.
    3. Press RESET. The light should come back on.
    4. If the light does not go off when you press TEST, ESFI says the GFCI is not working properly.

    Why a GFCI will not reset

    • No power: many GFCIs will not reset without power. Check the breaker and look for another GFCI upstream.
    • A real fault: water in an outdoor box, a damaged extension cord or an appliance leaking current.
    • End of life: GFCIs wear out; ESFI notes they should be installed by a licensed, qualified electrician.

    When to call a professional

    • It will not reset with power present and nothing plugged in.
    • It trips repeatedly with nothing connected.
    • The outlet is wet, cracked or scorched.

    What it usually costs

    HomeGuide (2026) lists GFCI outlet replacement at about $90 to $200; the device itself costs about $12 to $40.

    Frequently asked questions

    Why won’t my GFCI reset button stay in?

    Usually there is no power reaching the GFCI, or it is detecting a fault. A failed GFCI can also refuse to reset.

    How often should I test GFCI outlets?

    ESFI recommends testing every month.

    Related problems

    Sources

    This guide is general information, not a substitute for an inspection by a licensed professional. See our disclaimer.

  • Breaker Keeps Tripping: Overload, Short Circuit or Ground Fault?

    Short answer: Breakers trip to keep wiring from overheating. If it trips after you plug in or run several appliances, the circuit is probably overloaded: move some of the load to another circuit. If it trips instantly when you reset it, or with nothing plugged in, there is likely a short or ground fault, and an electrician should find it. ESFI notes that a problem that continues after resetting may indicate more serious issues.

    Quick diagnosis

    What you noticeMost likely causeWhat to checkCall a pro?
    Trips when the microwave, heater or hair dryer runsOverloadUnplug some devices and try againIf it continues
    Trips the moment you reset itShort circuitLeave it offYes
    Trips with nothing plugged inWiring fault or failing breakerLeave it offYes
    Trips when it rains or in one damp areaGround fault in outdoor or damp circuitCheck outdoor outlets and coversOften
    Trips when the AC or a big appliance startsAppliance fault or undersized circuitNote which applianceYes

    Overloads

    ESFI says a tripped breaker is most likely caused by too many appliances drawing power from one circuit. Space heaters, hair dryers, microwaves and window AC units draw a lot. To reset: unplug or turn off the devices on that circuit, switch the breaker fully off and then on, and spread the heavy loads across circuits.

    Short circuits and ground faults

    A short happens when a hot wire touches a neutral or ground, and a ground fault when current leaks to ground, often through water or a damaged cord. These trip the breaker immediately. Try unplugging everything on the circuit and resetting: if it still trips, the fault is in the wiring, an outlet or a hard-wired appliance.

    Do not do this

    • Do not keep resetting a breaker that trips instantly.
    • Never replace a breaker or fuse with a higher rating. ESFI warns to replace a fuse only with one of the same amperage.
    • Do not remove the panel cover unless you are qualified.

    When to call a professional

    • It trips again right after resetting, or with nothing plugged in.
    • You smell burning, see scorch marks or hear buzzing at the panel or outlets.
    • The breaker feels hot or will not reset.
    • Your home has knob-and-tube or 1960s-1970s aluminum wiring, which ESFI says should be checked by a licensed electrician.

    What it usually costs

    Electricians typically charge $50 to $130 per hour, and many have a one-hour minimum or a $100 to $200 trip fee, according to HomeGuide (2026).

    Frequently asked questions

    Why does my breaker trip with nothing plugged in?

    That points to a fault in the wiring, a device, a hard-wired appliance or the breaker itself. Call an electrician.

    Is it dangerous if a breaker keeps tripping?

    The breaker is protecting you, but repeated trips mean something is wrong. Find the cause rather than resetting over and over.

    Related problems

    Sources

    This guide is general information, not a substitute for an inspection by a licensed professional. See our disclaimer.

  • Outlet Not Working but the Breaker Is Not Tripped

    Short answer: Before anything else, look for a GFCI outlet that has tripped. One GFCI (with TEST and RESET buttons) can protect other outlets downstream, often in a bathroom, kitchen, garage, basement or outside, so the dead outlet may be fed by a GFCI in another room. Also check whether the outlet is controlled by a wall switch. If neither fixes it, or you see heat, scorch marks or buzzing, call an electrician.

    Quick diagnosis

    What you noticeMost likely causeWhat to checkCall a pro?
    Dead outlet in bathroom, kitchen, garage, outsideTripped GFCI upstreamPress RESET on nearby GFCI outletsIf none resets
    Dead outlet, lamp works on a switchSwitched outletFlip wall switchesNo
    Several outlets in one area deadTripped breaker or GFCI breakerCheck the panel for a handle in the middleIf it trips again
    Outlet warm, buzzing or scorchedLoose connection or damaged outletStop using itYes
    Works only if you wiggle the plugWorn receptacleTry another deviceYes, replace the outlet

    Find the tripped GFCI

    The National Electrical Code requires GFCI protection in kitchens, bathrooms, garages, basements, crawlspaces and outdoors, according to the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI). A single GFCI outlet can protect every outlet wired after it, so a dead outlet in a bedroom or on the porch can be caused by a GFCI in a bathroom or the garage. Press RESET on every GFCI you can find.

    Check the panel

    A tripped breaker can sit in the middle position rather than fully off. ESFI says to switch it fully off and then back on. Some panels have GFCI or AFCI breakers with their own test buttons.

    Signs it is not a simple fix

    • The outlet or cover plate is warm or discolored.
    • You hear buzzing or crackling, or smell burning.
    • Lights flicker on the same circuit.
    • The home has aluminum or very old wiring.

    When to call a professional

    • No GFCI or breaker restores power.
    • Any sign of heat, burning or arcing.
    • The outlet is loose in the wall or plugs fall out.
    • You are not trained to work on wiring (do not open the outlet).

    What it usually costs

    HomeGuide (2026) lists outlet repair or replacement at about $80 to $200, GFCI replacement at about $90 to $200, and electricians at $50 to $130 per hour, often with a $100 to $200 trip fee.

    Frequently asked questions

    Why is my outlet not working when no breaker is tripped?

    Most often a GFCI outlet elsewhere on the circuit has tripped, or the outlet is controlled by a wall switch.

    Can a bad outlet cause a fire?

    Loose connections can overheat. Warm, discolored or buzzing outlets should be checked by an electrician.

    Related problems

    Sources

    This guide is general information, not a substitute for an inspection by a licensed professional. See our disclaimer.