A GFCI outlet is the one with the TEST and RESET buttons. It watches the current going out and coming back, and if a little leaks somewhere it should not, it shuts off in a fraction of a second.
When a GFCI keeps tripping, one of three things is usually going on. The outlet is catching a real leak, something plugged in is faulty, or the outlet itself is worn out.
What a GFCI Does
A GFCI protects you from shock. NEC 210.8 requires GFCI protection on receptacles in places where water is likely: bathrooms, garages, outdoors, unfinished basements and crawl spaces, kitchen countertops, laundry areas and near sinks.
One GFCI can also protect other outlets wired after it. That is why a tripped GFCI in the garage can shut off a bathroom outlet in another room.
Why a GFCI Keeps Tripping in Florida
Moisture is the leading suspect here. Florida’s humid air and afternoon storms get into outdoor boxes, and a damp receptacle leaks current to ground.
- Water in an outdoor box. Rain blowing in, sprinkler spray or condensation in a box with a cracked or missing cover.
- A faulty appliance. A pressure washer, a pool pump or a space heater with a damaged cord or wet motor.
- A worn outlet. GFCIs do not last forever. They fail after years of use or a power surge.
- Wiring problems. A loose or damaged wire behind the outlet that touches a ground.
Do a Quick Check First
Unplug everything from the outlet and anything else on the same circuit, then press RESET. If it holds, plug things back in one at a time. The one that trips it is the culprit.
If the outlet will not reset with nothing plugged in, or it trips by itself in dry weather, the outlet or the wiring is the problem. Do not keep resetting it. Call an electrician.
Test It Every Month
ESFI recommends testing GFCIs every month: press TEST, the power should go off, then press RESET to restore it. If it does not cut power, it is not protecting you and needs to be replaced.
ESFI also suggests testing after a big electrical storm, since lightning and power surges can damage a GFCI. Our post asking whether a whole house surge protector is worth it in Florida covers that side.
Outdoor Outlets Need a Real Cover
Outdoor outlets should have a weatherproof cover that stays closed over a plugged-in cord. NEC 406.9 calls for this in wet locations, and it is often called an in-use cover.
A flip lid that only closes when nothing is plugged in leaves the plug and outlet open to rain. If your cover is cracked or just a flat plate, a replacement is a quick fix.
When to Call an Electrician
Call if the GFCI will not reset, trips on its own, feels warm or smells like burning, or if several outlets are out at once. A repeating trip is the system telling you something is wrong.
We replace GFCI outlets, add them where they are missing and trace the cause when one keeps tripping. See our residential electrical services for the rest of the small jobs we handle.
Until someone checks it, leave anything that keeps tripping unplugged.
Need help with this? See our residential electrical or call (904) 837-0310.
