How To Reset a GFCI Outlet

GFCI Outlet

What’s a GFCI outlet?

A GFCI is a Ground‑Fault Circuit Interrupter—an outlet designed to protect people from electrical shock. It quickly shuts off power if it senses electricity leaking outside its intended path (through your body, for example).

Where do you find them in your home?

These smart outlets are required in areas close to water:

  • Bathrooms
  • Kitchen counters
  • Garages
  • Outdoors (patios, decks)
  • Laundry or utility rooms

They usually have two buttons on the face: Test (usually black) and Reset (usually red)

⚡ Why and when do they “trip”?

GFCI outlets trip when they detect an imbalance in electrical current, meaning electricity is escaping the normal path (like water contact or a faulty appliance).

When it trips:

  • The Reset button pops out
  • The outlet (and any downstream outlets) lose power
  • This action occurs very fast—within 25–30 milliseconds—to protect against serious shocks

🔧 How to fix it yourself

Follow these steps:

  1. Unplug everything from the outlet.
  2. Press the Reset button.
  3. Plug in a small lamp or nightlight to check if it restored power.
  • If it works, the reset was successful!
  • If it doesn’t, press and hold the Test button until the Reset button pops out (this ensures it’s working). Then try resetting again.
  • If it still won’t reset, there could be a wiring issue or a broken outlet.

    Watch this helpful video for a step‑by‑step visual:
    Pro Tip: How to reset a GFCI outlet

    If it trips again as soon as you plug something in, the device might be faulty—or the outlet itself may be bad.

⚠️ Important caution

Though resetting a GFCI is perfectly safe, always use caution: If the outlet feels warm, sparks, your breaker trips frequently, or the outlet won’t reset—stop and call a licensed electrician.

✅ Action Steps

  1. Try resetting your GFCI outlet using the guide above.
  2. If that solved the issue and you have an open Customer Service request with Patterson Company, email service@buypatterson.com to close the ticket.
  3. Otherwise, a Patterson Company new home professional will reach out shortly with next steps to address your Customer Service Request.

For any ELECTRICAL EMERGENCY, please contact the electrician’s emergency number provided in your New Home Orientation packet or on the reference sticker from your orientation.

Feel confident knowing you’re equipped with the know‑how to handle common GFCI issues—safely and easily!