A Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter or GFCI outlet is required by the National Electrical Code to be used in any room where it is likely that water will come into contact with the outlet. This is because they have safety features that can sense sudden surges in electricity (such as when water hits an outlet and conducts electricity) and will automatically shut off the outlet to prevent shock. Whether we realize it or not, we depend on the GFCIs to keep us safe every time we use the blow dryer or garbage disposal. Your GFCI outlets must be working correctly to prevent accidents.

Can GFCI Outlets Go Bad?

The short answer to that question is yes, GFCI outlets can absolutely wear out and fail. Like any other electrical component, GFCIs will eventually experience wear or damage and need to be replaced. Loose wiring can cause the electricity to arc and melt the wire’s insulation; moisture from the room it is in may result in rust buildup on the metal screws that serve as connection points for the wires; plugging too many items into the outlet at once can overdraw its power and weaken the unit’s sensors.

How to Know Your GFCI is Bad

In general, you can expect a GFCI outlet to last for around 15 years. If you have lived in your home for that length or longer, it is likely that your GFCIs and other outlets may be getting worn and in need of replacement. As you approach the end of a GFCI’s lifespan you may notice that it trips more frequently than it had previously, to the point where simply plugging in a device and trying to turn it on might cause the GFCI to trip. You may also find that it doesn’t turn back on when you hit the Reset button–the outlet might have triggered the circuit breaker itself to trip.
Another sign that the unit is going bad is if the button will not pop out again after you hit the Test button. You can confirm whether your GFCI outlet is working by buying a three-prong tester. You can get one of these tools for less than $20 from your local hardware store. Once you have it, you’ll follow these steps to test your outlet:

  1. Press the test button on the outlet. This button will be imprinted with the word “TEST” and may be black if the unit is color-coded. When the GFCI is working properly, the button will click and remain pressed in. If it doesn’t stay in, this is an indication that there is no power running to the outlet from the breaker or that it has faulty wiring.
  3. Plug in the tester. The lights on the tester will indicate which terminals are receiving power. If no lights light up, it indicates that the circuit breaker has tripped or that another GFCIs on the same circuit has been tripped. If the outlet is receiving power, the lights on the tester will tell you which are active and the amount of electricity they are receiving.
  5. Turn the power back on for the outlet by hitting the Reset button. If the outlet is working properly, the depressed Test button should pop back out when you hit Reset. If it doesn’t then that is another indication that something is faulty in the unit.

When you suspect a GFCI is faulty, call a professional electrician. Wiring is dangerous to work with, and GFCI outlets are more complicated to wire than regular outlets. You should always prioritize the safety of yourself and your home by having a trusted professional perform your electrical work.

Promise Electric provides professional electrical services for residential and commercial jobs of all sizes.