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Why Your GFCI Keeps Tripping & What to Do About It

In commercial, industrial, and municipal facilities, a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlet tripping repeatedly isn’t just an inconvenience—it can disrupt operations, impact safety, increase the risk of electrical hazards, and point to deeper electrical issues that require immediate attention. If your GFCI outlet keeps tripping, it's important to address the underlying causes to prevent further problems.

While it may be tempting to simply reset the outlet and move on, frequent trips are often a sign that your GFCI is doing exactly what it’s designed for: detecting hazardous electrical conditions and cutting power before injury or damage occurs. If your outlet keeps tripping, this could indicate issues such as moisture, overloads, or electrical faults that need professional assessment. Understanding the root causes—and knowing when to involve a qualified electrician like Lywood—is key to maintaining both uptime and safety compliance.

What a GFCI Does

A GFCI outlet (also known as a GFI device) constantly monitors the flow of electricity between the hot and neutral conductors. GFCIs function by detecting ground faults and protecting against electrical shock. If it senses an imbalance as small as 0.005 amps—an indication of current leakage to ground through equipment, water, or even a person, often caused by the hot wire coming into contact with grounded components—it shuts off power in milliseconds. Power can be restored by pressing the reset button on the outlet.

Per the National Electrical Code (NEC), GFCIs are required in areas with a higher risk of moisture or conductive contact, such as:

  • Bathrooms, kitchens, and other areas prone to moisture
  • Garages, workshops, and utility rooms
  • Outdoor receptacles
  • Outdoor outlets
  • Outdoor areas
  • Unfinished basements and crawl spaces

For facilities, GFCIs are often found protecting maintenance areas, processing spaces, exterior workstations, and equipment power points, helping to prevent electrical shock and other electrical hazards.

Six Common Reasons a GFCI Trips

1. Moisture Infiltration

Water intrusion is the most frequent cause of GFCI trips, whether from rain, washdown procedures, or condensation in high-humidity environments. Water exposure, such as from leaks or splashes, can also lead to moisture infiltration. Even minimal moisture inside the receptacle box can create a conductive path to ground, often resulting in GFCI tripping as a safety mechanism.

‍Prevention:
  • Install weatherproof, in-use covers for outdoor or exposed receptacles
  • Ensure proper sealing around electrical boxes
  • Use dehumidification in problem areas
  • Always check that the outlet and box are completely dry before attempting to reset properly
  • Unplug all devices and appliances from the outlet before troubleshooting or resetting
  • After drying, test the outlet by plugging a lamp or other device in to verify it is functioning

2. Ground Faults in Equipment

When a hot conductor contacts a grounded surface or conductor inside equipment, the GFCI reacts instantly, often due to ground fault issues. This is common with damaged cords, deteriorated insulation, or contamination inside machinery, especially when a faulty appliance is involved. A faulty appliance can cause current leakage, which the GFCI detects and responds to by tripping.

‍Troubleshooting Tip: Unplug all appliances plugged into the circuit, reset the GFCI, then plug in each device one by one to isolate the source.

3. Circuit Overload

Although GFCIs are designed to detect leakage rather than overloads, an overloaded circuit—often caused by having too many appliances plugged into the same outlet—can make the GFCI keep tripping. This nuisance tripping is especially common in older facilities with limited circuit capacity. In some cases, an overloaded circuit may also cause the breaker to trip, cutting off power to the affected area.

‍Solution: Redistribute loads or install dedicated circuits for high-amperage tools and appliances.

4. Aging or Faulty Equipment

As motors, heating elements, and internal wiring in equipment degrade, they can begin leaking current to ground. Faulty wiring is also a common cause of equipment degradation and can lead to electrical issues. Older appliances, outdoor power tools, and well-used extension cords are frequent offenders.

‍Recommendation: Remove any device that trips multiple GFCIs across different locations. If the problem is due to faulty wiring or damaged components, these should be fixed or replaced. Replacing faulty outlets or wiring may be necessary to fix persistent issues. After repair or replacement, always verify that the equipment is working properly. Replace or professionally repair as needed.

5. Damaged Wiring or Loose Connections

Frayed wire, loose wires, and corroded conductors—including issues with the hot wire—inside walls or junction boxes can cause intermittent ground faults. Damaged or improperly connected wires are a serious hazard that requires immediate attention. Ensuring proper installation and that all components are installed correctly is crucial for electrical safety.

‍Fixing these problems often involves diagnosing the underlying wiring issue and making the necessary repairs. It is strongly recommended to call a professional electrician for any repairs or troubleshooting to ensure the work is done safely and correctly.

‍Warning Sign: GFCI trips even when nothing is plugged in, or multiple outlets on the same circuit fail simultaneously.

6. Defective GFCI Outlet

Like any electrical device, GFCIs have a lifespan (typically 15–25 years). Harsh environmental conditions, manufacturing defects, or internal wear can cause them to trip unnecessarily or fail to reset. Some GFCI outlets may be overly sensitive, reacting to normal electrical fluctuations or appliances with motors, which can lead to unexpected trips. If your GFCI outlet trips, locate the reset button and perform a GFCI outlet reset by pressing it firmly. If the outlet does not reset properly, further troubleshooting or replacement may be necessary.

‍Solution: Replace defective outlets promptly, following NEC requirements and using a licensed electrician.

When to Stop Troubleshooting and Call a Professional

In industrial and commercial settings, persistent GFCI trips should never be ignored due to the risk of electrical hazards.

Contact a professional electrician if:
  • The GFCI will not reset with all loads removed
  • The test button fails to trip the outlet
  • Multiple circuits or areas are affected
  • There are visible burn marks, melted components, or a burning smell
  • Trips occur consistently during specific operational conditions (e.g., rain, washdowns)
A professional electrician can diagnose and handle fixing complex issues, including troubleshooting wiring problems and, if necessary, replacing faulty GFCI outlets or components. Professionals have the tools to test insulation resistance, measure leakage currents, and identify system-wide issues that aren’t visible to the naked eye. They can also verify compliance with NEC and local regulations. Ignoring these problems can increase the risk of electrical hazards, such as shocks or fires.

Preventing Future GFCI Issues

For municipalities, utilities, and industrial facilities, prevention is far more cost-effective than repeated downtime. Best practices include:
  • Monthly Testing: Press the test and reset buttons on all GFCIs to verify proper function. Replace any outlet that fails to ensure all outlets are working properly and continue to protect against electrical shock.
  • Proper Installation: Ensure all GFCI outlets, especially in key areas like the bathroom, kitchen, and outdoors, are installed correctly. Improper installation can lead to malfunction or safety hazards.
  • Environmental Controls: Install appropriate covers, seal penetrations, and control humidity levels to prevent moisture buildup, especially in bathrooms and other wet locations.
  • Load Management: Distribute high-power equipment across separate circuits.
  • Regular Equipment Inspections: Replace damaged cords, clean contacts, and store equipment in dry environments. Replacing worn or outdated outlets as part of regular maintenance helps maintain safety and functionality.
  • Scheduled Electrical Audits: Have a qualified contractor assess your facility’s electrical safety and installation at least every 5-10 years—more frequently for high-use environments.

The Bottom Line

If your GFCI outlets are tripping repeatedly, don’t just reset—investigate. Contact Lywood to schedule a professional assessment and ensure your electrical system is ready to perform reliably when you need it most.

Contact our team for a GFCI outlet inspection!

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