This one needs a licensed pro
Likely cause: moisture in the outlet
Water in or around a GFCI is a common reason it trips and will not reset. Leave it off and dry; if it trips again once dry or after the next rain, call a licensed electrician.
Why this happens
Bob Vila lists moisture as a common cause of a GFCI that will not reset, especially outdoors and in bathrooms and garages. The GFCI is sensing current leaking through the water, which is exactly what it is there to stop. ESFI warns never to touch a breaker or fuse with wet hands or while standing on a wet surface, and CDC says power should stay off until equipment is inspected and completely dry.
What to do right now
- Do not touch the outlet, plugs or cords while they are wet, or while you are standing in water or on a wet surface.
- Unplug anything connected only if you can do it with dry hands while standing on a dry surface.
- Leave the GFCI tripped. If you can reach the panel safely and dry, turn that breaker off until the outlet has dried out.
- Do not use a hair dryer or heater on the outlet. Let it dry on its own.
- Once everything is fully dry, try RESET once. If it will not reset, trips again, or trips every time it rains, call a licensed electrician.
When to stop. If water reached the panel or the house flooded, keep the power off until a licensed electrician has inspected the system.
What to tell the licensed electrician
- Where the outlet is and how it got wet: rain, cleaning, a leak or flooding.
- Whether it reset once dry, and whether it trips every time it rains.
- Whether the outlet has a cover, and whether a cord was left plugged in outside.
Build the full list: what to tell the licensed electrician.
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