Reasons a GFCI Outlet Won’t Reset After Rain

If you have outdoor outlets, ground fault circuit interrupters are a must. A GFCI outlet cuts power when there’s a sudden change in current, such as when electricity and water mix, but it’s not failsafe, especially when exposed to rain. There are several reasons why your GFCI outlet won’t reset after rain; we’ll explain a few of them and potential solutions below.

There Is a Ground Fault

Ground faults can cause serious injuries. If the GFCI won’t reset when you press the button, it may have detected a ground fault and is therefore working as it should. Unplug anything connected to it. The outlet will usually reset if nothing is plugged in. You can try plugging in a different device to see if the previous one caused the error.

The Outlet Hasn’t Dried Yet

If moisture is still present around the outlet, you’ll be unable to reset the GFCI. These outlets are pretty sensitive and for a good reason. Just by touching a powered wet outlet, you can receive a shock or be electrocuted. Once the rain stops, wait a while for the outlet to dry (or dry it with a hairdryer plugged in elsewhere) and then try it again; if it hasn’t dried, look for additional sources of moisture nearby.

There’s a Power Outage

Power outages are always a possibility in stormy weather. If the power hasn’t been restored, you can’t reset a GFCI. To see if there’s a power failure, check whether lights, appliances, and devices around your home are working. If not, you’re only option is to wait for the power to come back to reset the GFCI outlet.

If your neighbors have power, check the circuit breakers. A tripped circuit breaker will disable any GFCI on the affected circuit. Try turning the breaker back on and then check the outlet to see if it will reset.

The Outlet Has Corroded

Exposure to the elements leaves outdoor outlets vulnerable to corrosion. If the inside of a GFCI outlet has rusted, it may stop working and can’t be reset. You’ll then need an electrician to come and replace the unit. It may be possible to reduce the corrosion risk by installing a new outlet in a less exposed area, such as under a porch or screen.

Wiring Was Done Incorrectly

A wiring issue is possible if an existing outlet was updated to a GFCI. Incorrect wiring can be extremely dangerous, as it can lead to a fire or damage to tools, appliances, and your home. Do not use the outlet until the wiring problem is corrected; your best bet is to have an electrician check it out and rewire the receptacle first.

Contact Express Electrical Services for GFCI Repair

Installing and repairing GFCI outlets is different than with standard outlets in your home. Our experienced Los Angeles electrical contractors can determine the reason why your GFCI outlet won’t reset after rain. They’ll check whether it’s correctly installed and if any repairs are necessary. When it can’t be fixed, our team will replace the outlet for you and ensure it works safely. To get started, call 323-727-7799 and we’ll send a licensed electrician to troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair the problem.