Loose, corroded wires or connections may also be to blame. This may happen if you connect malfunctioning or defective appliances. Overloaded CircuitĬircuit overload occurs when more amperage flows through an electric wire or circuit than it can handle. The presence of moisture can expose you to the risk of accidental electric shock. If the installation is outdoors or located in high humidity areas, such as the bathroom or kitchen, make sure the box is weatherproof and locked even when the receptor is in use. It is possible to speed up this drying process using a simple tool such as a blow dryer, but that part is best left to a professional. The box must be dry before you attempt to reset the GFCI. Be sure to turn off the breaker before opening the box containing the receptacle. Start your search by inspecting the receptacle box. However, due to the tropical climate of Florida, high humidity can also cause moisture buildup and make it harder for any water trapped in a receptacle box to evaporate. Outdoor GFCI outlets are the most vulnerable, and rain is the most common culprit. The accumulation of moisture is another major cause of GFCI tripping. Any slight damage means the electrical part is no longer protected from contact. Check for any wear that may have occurred to the equipment. How do you determine if the current is leaking? Unplug everything on that circuit and make sure all the switches are off. The instant the GFCI detects there is even the slightest of current leakage as low as 0.005 amps, it trips right away. Usually, GFCIs function by detecting when the current is flowing along an unintended path (e.g., through water or a person). Ground faults occur when the hot wire or live wire comes into contact with the ground wire or the grounded area of an appliance. We'll cover each of these issues, including causes and solutions. The top five reasons your GFCI outlet keeps tripping are ground-fault occurrences, moisture in the receptacle box, an overloaded circuit, an electrical fault, and a faulty GFCI outlet. What Causes Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter To Trip? If they trip, it's an indication there is a problem and you'll need an electrician you can trust. Circuit interrupters, or 'trips' as they are commonly referred to, are intended to reduce the risk of fire or electrocution. Ground-fault circuit interrupters are designed for your safety.

Dryer plug in