Why GFCIs Cause So Many Electrical Service Calls
As experienced Fife electricians, we’ve found that one of the most common reasons homeowners call us is because their outlets suddenly stop working—and more often than not, the culprit is a tripped GFCI outlet.
What Is a GFCI Outlet?
A Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlet is designed to protect you from electrical shock by shutting off power when it detects a ground fault. You can identify a GFCI by the “Test” and “Reset” buttons on its face. They are typically located in areas with moisture, such as bathrooms, kitchens, garages, and outdoor spaces.
Why a Tripped GFCI Affects Multiple Outlets
Many homeowners don’t realize that a single GFCI outlet can control multiple outlets throughout the house. For example:
A bathroom GFCI may also control outlets in a nearby bedroom.
A garage GFCI might control exterior plugs or basement outlets.
A kitchen GFCI could be wired to multiple countertop or dining area outlets.
When the GFCI trips, all outlets connected to it lose power—even if they’re in a completely different room.
The Most Common Issue: Forgetting to Press “Reset”
It’s easy to assume an outlet is broken when it stops working, but often the fix is as simple as pressing the “Reset” buttonon your GFCI. Many homeowners overlook this step and end up calling for service unnecessarily. Still, if your GFCI won’t reset or keeps tripping, that could indicate a wiring problem or a moisture-related fault that needs professional attention.
How to Troubleshoot GFCIs at Home
Before calling a licensed electrician:
Check all GFCI outlets in your home (bathroom, kitchen, garage, outdoors).
Press the “Reset” button on each one, even if it doesn’t seem related to the affected area.
Plug in a small device (like a phone charger) to test if power returns.
If outlets are still not working after checking all GFCIs, it’s time to call your trusted Fife electricians for diagnosis.
Professional Help When You Need It
At Washington Electrical LLC, our experienced team has handled countless calls where a simple GFCI reset solved the issue. But when deeper electrical troubleshooting is needed, we’re ready to ensure your system is safe and up to code.
Call Washington Electrical LLC today if your outlets aren’t working or your GFCI keeps tripping. Our licensed electricians proudly serve Fife, Tacoma, and surrounding Pierce County areas with fast, professional electrical service.