Vent, Valve & Volt
GFCI outlet won't reset

You can fix this

Likely cause: something plugged in has a ground fault

The GFCI resets once everything is unplugged, so one of the devices is leaking current. Find it and stop using it.

Why this happens

Leviton's second step for reset lockout is to unplug everything on the GFCI and its downstream outlets, because a persisting ground fault in a device will trip it every time. If it resets with nothing connected, the GFCI is doing its job. Keep in mind Leviton's note that a GFCI does not protect against overloads or short circuits, which is the breaker's job.

How to fix it

  1. Leave everything unplugged and confirm the GFCI holds for a few minutes.
  2. Plug devices back in one at a time, turning each on, and wait a moment between each.
  3. When the GFCI trips, the last device you added is the likely culprit. Unplug it and stop using it.
  4. Inspect that device's cord and plug for damage or water. Repair or replace the device; do not plug it into a non-GFCI outlet to get around the trip.
  5. Reset the GFCI and plug the remaining devices back in.

When to stop. If the GFCI trips with nothing plugged in at all, call a licensed electrician.

If this does not fix it, tell the licensed electrician

  • The GFCI resets with nothing plugged in.
  • Which device trips it, or that it trips with no clear pattern.
  • Whether that outlet is outdoors, in a bathroom, garage or kitchen.

Build the full list: what to tell the licensed electrician.

Start this troubleshooter over

References (every fact above comes from one of these pages)
  1. Leviton: How to reset a GFCI outlet after lockout
  2. Leviton: GFCI instruction sheet (PDF)

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