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How to Repair a GFI Outlet Circuit
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The Process to Troubleshoot GFCI Outlet Circuit Wiring: Testing a GFI Circuit. When the GFI circuit seems to be partially working or not working at all here are some things to double check to get the GFCI working again. |
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GFCI Outlet Circuit
Electrical Question: I’ve had a long standing problem with my GFCI circuitry in my home.
The end of the GFCI line is in the garage and before that the bathroom which joins the garage. I cannot get power to either.
The line coming out of my panel leads to a GFCI outlet, about one foot away.
There’s power coming out of the “load” line.
Here’s the problem, sometimes I do get power to both outlets in the bath and garage, then, when I plug in a device (lead light) in the garage the light goes on initially then dims and goes out. Then I got no power to the bath or the garage.
Power is still on coming out of the GFCI outlet next to the panel box.
Fearing there might be a wiring problem, maybe to a switch, I’ve turned all switches in the house on and that doesn’t connect.
Now, I know you’re good, but should I contact Sherlock Holmes?
Thank you for your advice.
Jerry
This electrical wiring question came from: Jerry, in NY, New York.
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Jerry.
The Process to Troubleshoot GFCI Outlet Circuit Wiring
Preparation
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced.
Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools a Voltage Tester or Plug-In Circuit Analyzer.
Estimated Time: Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools, the extent of the electrical repairs, the number of outlets that are affected and access to each location.
Precaution: Identify the GFCI outlet circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring.
Testing a GFI Circuit
When the GFI circuit seems to be partially working or not working at all here are some things to double check to get the GFCI working again.
- Make sure there are no loose wires within the circuit, especially the white neutral wire.
- Make sure the incoming power source to the GFCI outlet are attached to the LINE side as indicated on the back of the receptacle.
- Make sure the outgoing circuit wiring is connected to the LOAD side of the GFCI Outlet.
- Both the black and white wires must be connected separately into the appropriate terminals of the LINE and the LOAD side of the GFCI Outlet or GFI Receptacle.
- If the wiring connections are correct and the circuit voltage is normal then the GFCI outlet may be faulty and should be replaced.
- The integrity of the GFI circuit wiring may be tested for voltage by temporarily removing the GFCI outlet and splicing the wires through and then testing the voltage and polarity at each receptacle outlet of the same circuit. If the voltage readings and polarity test is normal then the GFCI is faulty or the connections to the GFCI were incorrect.
- A plug in circuit analyzer will be helpful to determine the correct wiring of the circuit and help detect circuit faults.
Note about Ground Fault Circuit Interruption
Both GFI and GFCI are basically the same and both provide protection against ground faults by interrupting the electrical circuit by sensing voltage that passes to a ground source.
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Just purchased a home and it was inspected with all outlets working. Sometime during the past few weeks all 5 exterior outlets have stopped working. I have checked every outlet and switch in the house. The only ones not working are these 5. I None of these outlets are breakered and I cannot figure out which circuit breaker on the main panel feeds them. Any idea of what to do next?
Hi Stan,
I would search for a GFCI outlet that has tripped OFF. Begin looking on the porches, laundry room or the garage and I’ll bet you will find a GFCI outlet. If you locate a GFI outlet that is not tripped then make sure to press the TEST button to manually test it, and if it does not trip then the GFI outlet is at fault and needs to be replaced, and this will most likely solve the problem with the other outlets that are not working.
Dave