Troubleshooting an Outdoor GFCI Plug That's Not Working

GFCI plugs are an important part of staying safe when using electronics outdoors. A Ground Fault Circuit Interrupt (GFCI) plug protects against electric shocks by quickly shutting off circuit flow if the sensing current between the hot and the neutral is greater than 5 milliamps. In other words, when you plug a GFCI appliance into a grounded outlet, that outlet will detect any difference in current and immediately shut off power to prevent electric shock. But what happens if the GFCI plug doesn't work?

Outdoor GFCI plugs can be quite a hassle when they stop working. It can be difficult to figure out what's wrong, as it could be caused by something as simple as a loose wire or something more complex like a broken circuit breaker. Fortunately, there are some troubleshooting tips you can use to identify the problem and get your GFCI plug back up and running quickly and safely.

Checking Your Plug and Outlet

The first step in troubleshooting a GFCI plug is to check the plug itself. Make sure that the plug is securely inserted into the wall outlet. If not, firmly insert the plug and test to see if the GFCI works.

You should also visually inspect the plug for any signs of damage or corrosion. If you see any visible problems, such as cracked insulation, melted plastic, or broken parts, then it's likely that the plug needs to be replaced. In this case, you should turn off the power at the main circuit breaker and replace the plug with a new one.

Testing the GFCI Plug

If the plug appears to be in good condition, then you can move on to testing the GFCI plug itself. The easiest way to do this is to use a voltage tester to measure the voltage between the hot and neutral terminals. If there is no voltage, then the outlet is not working properly and should be replaced.

If there is voltage, then the GFCI plug may be in need of a reset. To reset the plug, press the reset button and wait 10 seconds before pressing the test button. If the GFCI still does not work, then you will need to replace the plug.

Failing Breakers

Another potential cause of a faulty GFCI plug is a failing circuit breaker. If the plug tests, but the circuit breaker trips when you plug in a device, then the circuit breaker may be failing. In this case, you should turn off the power at the main circuit breaker and replace the circuit breaker with a new one.

Conclusion

By following these simple troubleshooting steps, you can quickly identify the cause of an outdoor GFCI plug that is not working. Before doing any work on the plug or outlet, make sure to turn off the power at the main circuit breaker to avoid any accidents. Once you have identified the problem, you can take the necessary steps to fix the GFCI plug and get it back up and running safely.

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