How to Reset a Tripped GFCI Outlet
If an outlet in your kitchen, bathroom, or garage suddenly stops working, there's a good chance it's simply tripped — not broken.
1. Find the GFCI Outlet
GFCI outlets have small "Reset" and "Test" buttons on the outlet face and are usually installed in kitchens, bathrooms, garages, and outdoor outlets. One GFCI outlet often protects several other outlets on the same circuit, so the dead outlet you're troubleshooting may not be the one with the buttons.
2. Press Reset
Press the "Reset" button firmly. You should hear or feel a click. If the outlet's indicator light comes back on, power should be restored to it and anything downstream on the same circuit.
3. If It Won't Reset
If the button won't stay in, or it trips again immediately after resetting, that's a sign something plugged into the circuit is actually causing a fault — unplug everything on that circuit and try resetting again with nothing connected.
When to Call a Pro Instead
If the outlet trips repeatedly even with everything unplugged, or if you notice any burning smell, discoloration, or warmth around the outlet, stop and call an electrician — that's a sign of an actual wiring fault, not just a nuisance trip.
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