You’re relaxed in your bedroom, enjoying your favorite TV show or listening to your pet podcaster. Or you’re in the kitchen preparing lunch or dinner for your family, and then you hear a heavy pop. At first, it seems normal until you check your cooker or microwave, and none is working. The light and TV are on, so it cannot be a power outage. It’s likely your outlet, especially on the ground fault circuit interrupter.
GFCI outlets are highly prevalent in kitchens, bathrooms, and other moisture-prone areas that pose electrical hazards. You can find them in heavy-duty, 20 amp power cords, GFCI extension cord, and plugs—the outlet trips to prevent electrical shock and safeguard connected devices.
What Happens When the GFCI Outlet Trips?
Many things can happen to succeed in a GFCI outlet trip. The GFCI outlet reset button pops to confirm the tripping. All appliances and devices plugged into the outlet will go off, including all the downstream outlets linked to the outlet. The indicator light will turn off or change color. You might even hear a clicking sound caused by the internal mechanism as it switches off to cut the power supply.
What Makes the GFCI Outlet to Trip?
The GFCI outlet rarely trips, but the conditions around the application area can increase the risk. Using your outdoor power strip in dusty or moisture-prone surroundings could increase the risk of tripping. That happens when water or moisture enters the receptacle or debris enters the conductor.
DFCI outlets might also trip due to old or faulty outlets. Deteriorated wires and ground faults in the circuit increase the risk of GFCI outlet tripping. Every outdoor power strip and electrical cord can handle a specific load. Plugging in more devices than the cord can handle will lead to an overload and the GFCI's ultimate tripping.
Ways to Troubleshoot GFCI Outlet Tripping
When the GFCI outlet trips to cut short the power to your computer power cable or other power cords, you can resolve the issue in several ways.
1. Reset the GFCI Outlet
Resetting the GFCI outlet could solve most problems caused by overload protection, ground fault interruption, nuisance tripping, and temporary moisture issues. You only need to press the reset button on your power outlet and wait a few minutes for the device to reset. If resetting does not solve the problem, it could indicate a more severe issue.
2. Unplug Your Devices
Do you know tripping could occur due to a faulty appliance or equipment? The only way to identify the problematic device is by unplugging and plugging back the devices. Plug out all the devices connected to the GFCI outlet and downstream outlets, including the right angle power strip and the rocker switch wiring. Reset your outlet and plug the devices back one at a time. If the outlet trips after plugging in a specific device, it is likely faulty and the cause of the problem. Inspect and repair the device before plugging it back into the GFCI outlet.
3. Inspect for Moisture Issues
Moisture creates an inadvertent path for electrical current to flow from the hot live wire to the ground or the neutral wire. Because the GFCI outlet monitors the current flow, it will detect the imbalances and instantly trip, cutting the power supply and preventing shock hazards. Inspect your power cords for signs of moisture, and in the event you discover moisture, dry the outlet and let it dry completely. After the outlet has dried out, you need to reset your GFCI. The process will resolve most moisture-related issues.
You can even prevent moisture-related issues by opting for spt-1 vs spt-2 electrical cords. These cords have thicker insulation to prevent water and moisture entry, meaning you will rarely experience GFCI outlet tripping when using them.
4. Check For Wiring Issues
The GFCI outlet will trip when some wires become damaged or loose. Diagnosing loose or damaged wires requires expertise and skills. The problem can be risky, especially if it involves opening the outlet cover of heavy-duty power or extension cords. If you try this approach, ensure the power is off. Inspect the power cord for discoloration signs, frayed wires, or loose terminals. Tighten loose connections and ensure you replace those damaged wires. You want to replace the damaged outlet cover and make all essential repairs.
5. Call an Electrician
If these solutions fail, the best option will be to call an electrician. Some problems require more professional tools and skills, which only a professional will have. Electricians have the experience to handle complex issues such as electrical panels and internal wiring problems. You want an electrician who specializes in handling projects similar to yours. They should have the tools and correct insurance to stay safe in case of accidents and property damage.
Wrapping Up
Tripping of the GFCI outlet happens often, especially in homes and offices where devices run all day. However, if it becomes an unending experience that disrupts your everyday work and comfort at home, you might have to diagnose and resolve the impending or existing problem. You want to understand the cause of the problem before diagnosing and resolving it. Reset your GFCI outlet to restore minor issues before you inspect for moisture, unplug devices, or call a professional electrician.