Upgrading your home with GFCI outlets is a great way to make it safer. But despite the protection they provide, they can be incredibly annoying (and even unsafe) when they constantly trip.
This often happens when they detect even a small change in the electrical current. Pinpointing the exact cause of the constant tripping is crucial to preventing electrical hazards.
This article goes over common reasons for GFCI outlet tripping and how to fix and prevent this frustrating problem. It also covers when to call an electrician.
Quick Takeaways
- GFCI outlets trip during ground faults and voltage imbalances.
- Excess moisture and wiring faults increase GFCI issues.
- Small leaks trigger ghost tripping.
- Testing helps locate the problematic sources.
- Frequent trips need professional inspection.
What Is a GFCI Outlet and Why Does It Trip?
A GFCI outlet is a safety device that provides protection in the form of automatically shutting off power when a circuit experiences a ground fault or electrical imbalance.
- What is GFCI: GFCI stands for ground fault circuit interrupter.
- How does GFCI work: These outlets measure the flow between hot and neutral wires by comparing the electrical current passing through each. They automatically shut off anytime they detect a ground fault. The trip threshold usually ranges between 5 and 6 milliamps of current difference.
- Common locations: Bathrooms, kitchens, garages, outdoors, and basements.
- Why does GFCI trip: Moisture intrusion, faulty or damaged wiring, appliance defects, overloaded circuits, or ghost trips.
Common Reasons Your GFCI Outlet Keeps Tripping
GFCI outlets that keep tripping cause frequent power interruptions and actually increase the risk of electrical shock. Knowing what normally causes them is very helpful for identifying and fixing the underlying electrical issue.
1. Ground Fault (Most Common Cause)
An electrical current may cause a ground fault if it gets too far from its source and passes onto neighboring surfaces. The most common reasons for these circuit safety issues are water exposure, broken cables, or deteriorating insulation.
2. Moisture or Water Exposure
GFCIs are more likely to trip in areas prone to high levels of humidity or splashes, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor outlets. Since water reduces electrical resistance, the gadget will mistakenly identify it as a malfunction if it gets into the outlet or wire.
3. Faulty Appliances or Devices
Broken or outdated appliances may cause electrical current to flow to the ground, which can cause a GFCI outlet to trip. To identify the malfunctioning equipment, you need to disconnect all appliances, reset the GFCI, and then reconnect each appliance to see which one is at fault.
4. Overloaded Circuit
A GFCI outlet could trip due to overheating or a slight current leak if there are too many devices using the same circuit. This is different from an overloaded breaker in that it responds to electrical imbalances rather than excessive current draw.
5. Worn or Damaged Wiring
If your home’s wiring has old or cracked insulation, it can leak current into the walls and ground. This type of problem usually requires a licensed electrician to inspect and fix the damaged wiring.
6. “Ghost Trips” or Nuisance Tripping
The term “ghost tripping” refers to the phenomenon when a GFCI outlet turns off without any actual ground fault taking place. Common causes include electromagnetic interference from surrounding devices, lengthy wire lines, or shared neutrals, which may lead to a buildup of minor leakage currents that exceed the GFCI’s trip threshold.
How to Troubleshoot a Tripping GFCI Outlet
We’re experts at troubleshooting GFCI outlets. Here’s how we suggest identifying and fixing the source of tripping.
Step 1 – Press the Reset Button
Give the reset button a firm push; in the event the outlet trips again without delay, a ground fault still persists.
Step 2 – Unplug All Devices
Unplug all appliances and then plug them back in one at a time (unplugging after each test so that only one is plugged in at a time) to see which appliance is contributing to the outlet problem.
Step 3 – Inspect for Moisture or Damage
Look for condensation, rust, and scorch marks near the outlet; these signs point to moisture damage or overheating issues.
Step 4 – Test the Circuit
Use a plug-in GFCI meter to test the outlet to find wiring faults or ground issues. A multimeter can also be used for this type of troubleshooting.
Step 5 – Replace or Upgrade the GFCI
Many older GFCIs are oversensitive to minor electrical fluctuations. Newer models often feature improved filtering and self-testing that helps prevent nuisance tripping.
How to Prevent GFCI Outlets from Tripping
The best way to keep GFCI outlets from constantly tripping is to take certain preventative actions. Here are some of our best recommendations:
- Keep outlets sealed from moisture
- Avoid overloading or daisy-chaining
- Replace damaged or frayed cords
- Book yearly electrical inspections
- Use separate circuits for appliances
- Test outlets using reset buttons
When to Call an Electrician
Some GFCI outlet problems are easily fixable with DIY methods, like resetting the outlet or drying out moisture. Those that stem from wiring faults or ground issues signal deeper electrical issues that require help from a trained electrician. Don’t ever ignore repeated tripping since it can lead to a higher shock risk and electrical fires.
When to hand it over to the experts:
- Outlet constantly trips without reason
- GFCI won’t reset after tripping
- Visible scorch marks or melting
- Burning smell near the outlet
- Water damage around electrical areas
- Loose or sparking wiring connections
- Multiple outlets losing power simultaneously
FAQ: Common Questions About GFCI Outlets
Why does my GFCI trip when it rains?
A ground fault may form when moisture from precipitation or high humidity seeps into your outdoor outlets.
Can a bad GFCI outlet keep tripping?
Yes, when an outlet becomes worn out or defective, it can cause it to be oversensitive to minor electrical fluctuations. Replacing the outlet is the safest way to restore proper function and prevent constant tripping.
How do I know if my GFCI is bad?
If the outlet keeps tripping even though there’s nothing plugged into it, it’s probably bad and needs a replacement.
How often should GFCIs be replaced?
Most GFCI outlets last about 10 years before they need an upgrade.
Get Premium Support for GFCI Outlets in Miami
If you’re dealing with a GFCI outlet that keeps tripping, it’s time to give Mister Sparky a call. A skilled electrician will find and fix the culprit to make sure you don’t have to worry about recurring electrical issues.
If we can’t repair the problem, we’ll replace the whole outlet. We serve all of Miami with our reliable electrical services as well as the surrounding areas. Don’t Put Up With Any Malarky, Call Mister Sparky!