Why Your GFCI Keeps Tripping—and What It’s Trying to Tell You

North Woods Sasquatch
Apr 6
2 min read

Have you ever plugged something into an outlet and—click—the power suddenly shuts off? That little reset button just popped out, and now nothing works until you press it back in. That’s your GFCI in action—and believe it or not, it’s trying to keep you safe.

Let’s talk about what a GFCI actually is, why it keeps tripping, and when it might be time to call your local North Idaho electrician (hey, that’s us!).

What Is a GFCI Outlet, Anyway?

GFCI stands for Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter. These special outlets are designed to protect you from electrical shock by monitoring the flow of electricity through a circuit. If the GFCI senses any irregularities—like electricity taking an unintended path (say, through water or even your body)—it cuts the power immediately.

It’s an incredibly fast and important safety mechanism, and it’s required by electrical code in areas where water and electricity might mix.

Where You'll Find GFCI Outlets

You’ll typically find GFCIs in:

Bathrooms
Kitchens (especially near sinks)
Garages
Outdoor outlets
Laundry rooms
Basements
Utility rooms

Basically, if there’s water nearby, there should be a GFCI installed.

Why Do GFCIs Trip So Often?

There are a few common reasons a GFCI might trip:

1. Moisture

Humidity, steam, or direct water exposure can trip a GFCI. Outdoor outlets are especially vulnerable, especially without proper weatherproofing.

2. Old or Faulty Appliances

Sometimes it’s not the outlet—it’s what you plugged in. Older appliances or ones with worn-out cords can leak small amounts of current, which is enough to trigger the GFCI.

3. Overloaded Circuit

Plugging in too many things on the same outlet or circuit can overwhelm it, especially if you’re using extension cords or power strips.

4. Wiring Issues

Loose connections, exposed wires, or issues deeper in the circuit can cause nuisance tripping. In older homes, wiring may have deteriorated or be improperly grounded.

5. Bad GFCI Outlet

GFCIs don’t last forever. On average, they last about 10 years—sometimes less in high-use or outdoor locations. A worn-out GFCI might trip more frequently or stop resetting entirely.

How to Reset a GFCI Outlet

Unplug everything from the outlet.
Press the RESET button on the outlet (usually red).
If it clicks in and power returns—great! Plug your devices back in one at a time.
If it won’t reset or keeps tripping immediately, it’s time for a closer look.

When You Should Call an Electrician

If your GFCI:

Trips with nothing plugged in
Won’t reset, even after drying out the area
Trips frequently or unpredictably
Feels warm, looks discolored, or smells burnt

…it’s best to let a licensed electrician handle it. These outlets are safety devices, and when they’re not working properly, your home is at risk.

Trust Your Local North Idaho Experts

At Northwoods Electric LLC, we handle everything from GFCI troubleshooting and replacements to full electrical system upgrades. We proudly serve Post Falls, Coeur d'Alene, Hayden, Rathdrum, and the surrounding areas with honest work and small-town service.

Got a GFCI that’s giving you grief? Give us a call or shoot us a message—we’ll get you powered up and safe in no time. www.northwoodselectricllc.com