What to Do If Your GFCI Outlet Won’t Reset in St. Louis

If your GFCI outlet won’t reset, start by unplugging everything from it, then press the reset button firmly. If it still won’t stay in, check for power at the outlet, inspect for any visible damage or debris, verify your circuit breaker or fuse, and test the wiring connections. If none of these steps work, contact a licensed electrician.

 

Check for Power Supply to the Outlet

 

Before doing anything else, make sure the outlet is getting electricity:

• Locate another nearby outlet you know works. Plug in a small lamp or phone charger to confirm you have power in that part of the circuit.
• If that outlet also has no power, go to your electrical panel (breaker box). Look for any tripped breakers (they’ll be in the middle position) or blown fuses.
• Reset a tripped breaker by pushing it fully to OFF, then back to ON. Replace a blown fuse with one of the same amperage.

 

Unplug All Devices and Press the Reset Button Firmly

 

A GFCI won’t reset if it senses a ground fault or an overload. Doing this removes any potential fault:

• Unplug every cord or plug from the GFCI outlet, including lamps, power strips, and small appliances.
• Press the RESET button firmly. You should feel it click into place. If it stays in, plug in one device and test it.
• If it pops back out immediately, move on to inspect for damage or wiring issues.

 

Inspect the Outlet for Damage or Dirt

 

Sometimes the outlet itself can be blocked or broken:

• Shut off power at the breaker box before touching the outlet cover.
• Remove the cover plate and look for cracks, burn marks, or loose wires.
• Use a dry cloth or a soft brush to remove any dust, grime, or insects inside the outlet.
• Replace the cover plate and restore power to test reset again.

 

Examine Your Circuit Breaker or Fuse Box

 

Even if nearby outlets work, the specific circuit to your GFCI might be off:

• Find your breaker panel. Identify the breaker labeled for kitchen, bathroom, garage, or outdoor outlets (common GFCI locations).
• Flip the breaker fully OFF, then ON again. If it won’t stay ON or immediately trips again, there’s a short circuit or overload downstream.
• Isolate the problem by unplugging other outlets or fixtures on that circuit one at a time, then try resetting the GFCI.

 

Test the Outlet Wiring and Connections

 

Loose or miswired connections can prevent resetting:

• Turn off power at the breaker panel. Confirm with a non-contact voltage tester that there’s no live current.
• Remove the GFCI from the wall box. Check the LINE (power in) and LOAD (protected outlets downstream) terminals—wires should be firmly under the terminal screws.
• Ensure line wires are on the LINE side, not swapped with LOAD. Tighten any loose screws to secure connections.
• Reinstall the outlet, restore power, and press RESET again.

 

When to Call a Professional Electrician

 

If you’ve tried the above steps and the GFCI still won’t reset, the outlet mechanism itself may be bad, or there could be a hidden wiring fault. A licensed electrician can:

• Use specialized tools to trace and locate faults inside walls.
• Replace the GFCI outlet safely if it’s worn out or damaged.
• Ensure your home’s wiring meets current safety standards and codes.

Our certified technicians serve St Louis and Nashville, ready to restore safe, reliable power to your home or business.