Resetting a GFCI outlet is simple: press the “Reset” button on the outlet face — it is usually a smaller button, often white or gray, located between or below the two plug slots. You should feel a click and the outlet should restore power. If it does not reset, or if it trips again immediately, there is an underlying issue that needs attention and the outlet should stay off until it is diagnosed.

What a GFCI Outlet Actually Does

GFCI stands for ground fault circuit interrupter. These outlets contain a sensor that continuously monitors the balance of current flowing out through the hot wire and returning through the neutral wire. Under normal conditions, those two values are equal. If even a tiny imbalance occurs — as small as 5 milliamps — the GFCI interprets it as a ground fault, meaning current is finding an unintended path (potentially through a person or a wet surface), and it cuts power in about a 25th of a second. This speed is fast enough to prevent serious injury or death from electrocution. GFCI protection is required by code in bathrooms, kitchens, garages, outdoor locations, basements, and anywhere within six feet of a water source.

Step-by-Step: How to Reset It

  • Unplug everything from the outlet and from any outlets on the same GFCI circuit before attempting a reset.
  • Press the Test button first if you want to confirm the GFCI is functioning — this should cause the outlet to lose power. Then press Reset to restore it.
  • If the outlet was tripped (not just being tested), simply press Reset. You should hear or feel a click as the outlet re-engages.
  • Check for power at the outlet using a lamp or phone charger.
  • Plug in your devices one at a time to see if a specific device is causing the trip.

One GFCI Can Protect Multiple Outlets

Here is something many homeowners do not realize: a single GFCI outlet is often wired to protect several standard outlets downstream on the same circuit. If a standard outlet in your bathroom, kitchen, or garage has stopped working, the problem may be a tripped GFCI outlet located elsewhere — sometimes in a different room. Check all GFCI outlets in the area (bathroom, kitchen, garage, and outdoor outlets are common candidates) and look for one with a popped-out Reset button. This saves a lot of unnecessary troubleshooting and service calls.

When a GFCI Won’t Reset or Keeps Tripping

If the outlet will not reset at all, it may have tripped due to moisture inside the outlet box — common in outdoor locations or bathrooms after humidity buildup. Let it dry out (or remove the source of moisture) and try again. If it resets but trips immediately, the GFCI is detecting a fault somewhere on the circuit. This could be a device that is faulty, damaged wiring somewhere downstream, or moisture in an outlet box. Do not force the issue — the GFCI is doing exactly what it is designed to do by refusing to stay on when it detects a fault. Plug in devices one at a time to see if a specific one triggers the trip. If no device triggers it and it still trips, the issue is in the wiring and needs professional diagnosis.

GFCI Outlets Have a Lifespan

GFCI outlets are not permanent. The internal mechanism can wear out, and a GFCI outlet that is 10 or more years old may no longer be providing reliable protection even if it appears to work. The test-and-reset button sequence is the way to check — press Test, confirm the outlet loses power, then press Reset to restore it. An outlet that does not lose power when you press Test has a failed GFCI mechanism and should be replaced. In Colorado’s climate, outdoor GFCI outlets are exposed to temperature extremes, moisture from snow and rain, and UV that can degrade the housing over time — these may need replacement more frequently than indoor units.

When to Call an Electrician

Replacing a GFCI outlet is a manageable DIY project for a homeowner comfortable working with electrical boxes and who follows safe procedures — including turning off the breaker before touching any wiring. But if the outlet will not reset, if it keeps tripping with nothing plugged in, if you see any burn marks or smell burning near the outlet, or if you are unsure what is causing the trip, an electrician can diagnose the problem quickly and ensure the protection is working correctly. Never defeat a GFCI by bypassing it or replacing it with a standard outlet — the protection it provides is there for a reason.

If you have a GFCI outlet issue that needs professional attention, Done’s electricians are ready to help throughout the Denver metro and Front Range. Visit our outlets and switches page to learn more, or explore all of our electrical services online. For issues that feel urgent, our emergency electricians are available for same-day service.