If the GFCI won’t reset or the button doesn’t pop out when you press the “test” button, there may be no power to the GFCI or you may have a bad GFCI. Pro tip: If the “reset” button trips again every time you press it, there may be a dangerous current leak somewhere on the circuit.

Why is my GFCI test button not working?

If your GFCI outlet test button won’t push in that most likely means that the GFCI needs to be replaced. If the GFCI is older and loses power they can easily stop working. Try depressing or press the reset button and then the test button. Sometimes you have to push on these quite hard in order to get them to work.

What is the possible reason if the breaker does not trip when the test button is pressed?





The TEST button on a GFCI creates an actual ground fault (about 6-8mA, maybe up to 10mA, from load-hot to line-neutral or vice versa), so if a GFCI fails to trip when the TEST button is pressed, then it’s dead and needs to be replaced.

What does the test button on a circuit breaker do?

You can also consider testing your circuit breaker by pressing the test button. This will cause the circuit breaker to turn off. If the breaker doesn’t trip, it isn’t working correctly, so you need to replace it. Otherwise, you can repeat the process of resetting the breaker to turn it on.

What do you do if your GFCI won’t reset?

If you test and reset your GFCI outlet, but it still won’t stay reset, a good idea is to check the breaker box to make sure the circuit breaker hasn’t tripped. Try resetting the outlet. Once you reset the outlet and it still doesn’t reset, moisture buildup in the wiring or outlet may be the culprit.

How do you know if a GFCI breaker is bad?

Use your voltage tester to see if there’s an occurring current on the outlet you are testing. If the tester lights up, this indicates that the outlet has a flowing current, but if you reset it and it doesn’t trip (the tester stays on), this means you have a bad outlet.

How do you unstick a test button on an outlet?





Here’s how.

  1. Push the test button.
  2. The reset button should pop out.
  3. Plug something (like a hair dryer) into the outlet and turn it on. It shouldn’t work.
  4. If it doesn’t work, the GFCI is working properly and preventing electrocutions.
  5. If the hair dryer works, there’s something wrong and you may need to replace the GFCI.


What would cause a breaker to not reset?

The following could all lead to a circuit that won’t reset:

  • An Open Ground.
  • Rodent Damage to Wiring.
  • Bad Outlet or Switch Connection.
  • Failing Light Fixture.
  • Overheating Appliance.


Why is my breaker on but no power?



Check the GFCI reset button. This is another simple remedy that might apply when your circuit breaker is on, but no power is going to its corresponding outlets. Ground fault circuit interrupters are designed to act like mini circuit breakers that are capable of cutting off power.

How do you reset a breaker with a test button?

How to Test GFCI Breakers With Reset Circuit Breaker Test Button

  1. Start with pressing down on the “Reset” button.
  2. Plug in a lamp and the light should be on.
  3. Press down on the “Test” button and the light should go off.
  4. Push the “Reset” button again and the light should be on.

How do you test a GFCI breaker?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: And GFCI breaker these breakers are fitted with us test button on the front. They're very easy to test all you got to do is push the button and it will put it into the trip.

How do you test a GFCI?



Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Here are a few simple steps to follow push. The reset button on the GFCI. To prepare for testing plug a nightlight or similar electrical device into the receptacle. The light should turn on push.

Do GFCI outlets wear out?

Electrical safety check



All GFCI outlets have one little-known flaw: their circuitry eventually wears out, usually after about 10 years, at which point they no longer function properly.

Why are my GFCI outlets not working?

There are a few reasons why GFCI outlets stop working. The outlet might have tripped, there may be a poor electrical connection, the outlet may be defective or the outlet has failed. It’s typically best to contact a licensed electrician to troubleshoot these types of problems.

Can you ruin a GFCI outlet?

GFCI outlets and breakers can fail. GFCI devices will last about 10 to 15 years before starting to go bad or failing. GFCI outlets can go bad in as little as five years.

What is the life expectancy of a GFCI outlet?



GFCI outlets last between 7-10 years but can sometimes fail after only 5 years. Since GFCIs are one of the most important safety features in your home, it’s important to check your GFCIs monthly and every home should have its GFCIs tested and replaced if necessary every 7-10 years.

Can I replace a GFCI outlet myself?

You can replace almost any electrical outlet with a GFCI outlet. Correctly wired GFCIs will also protect other outlets on the same circuit. While it’s common to find GFCI outlets in bathrooms and kitchens, there are GFCI outlet requirements.

How much does it cost to replace a GFCI outlet?

For a single GFCI-protected outlet, be prepared to pay $135 to $150 in total. You can make the most of this cost by following the local building codes to find your exact GFCI protection needs. If you’re doing this job yourself, make sure you have the proper insurance.

When should GFI be replaced?

between 15 and 25 years



Long Lifespan



A GFCI outlet can last you between 15 and 25 years when installed and located correctly. Occasionally, GFCI outlets can give out after five years; how often you use your outlet could help determine its life expectancy. Either way, once your GFCI stops working well, it’s important to replace it.

Is there a difference between GFI and GFCI?

Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) and ground fault interrupters (GFI) are the exact same device under slightly different names. Though GFCI is more commonly used than GFI, the terms are interchangeable.