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View Full Version : All my GFI receptecles have tripped and can't be reset.


Woody1961
Apr 17, 2011, 10:44 AM
My two GFI receptecles in my upstairs bathrooms have tripped as well as a GFI outside in the backyard. Nothing has changed for years and no power tools or such have been plugged in. the circuit panel lookd fine nothing tripped there.I can't even push the test button (black.Any thouhgts?

donf
Apr 17, 2011, 11:03 AM
Do you have a volt meter?

If so and you are experienced enough to pull the cover on the main panel, then take a voltage test on the out-put of the breaker that protects the circuit. If you do not have the experience to be inside the main panel, call a licenced electrician. A voltage test must be taken with the panel live. There are deadly amperage's on the panel and if you are in the least careless you can end up severely injured or dead. So please don't try to be a hero.

If there is 0 (zero) volts, than it may be a defective breaker.

However, if the out-put of the breaker is 120 VAC, then you know that the problem is down stream of the breaker and you will have to check each receptacle in the circuit.

Also, look for a another GFCI receptacle in the circuit.

Woody1961
Apr 17, 2011, 11:12 AM
Other outlets and lights work on the same circuit as the GFI's that won't reset. Doesn't that mean the breakers a good?
Woody1961

donf
Apr 17, 2011, 12:06 PM
It certainly suggests, to me, that there is an undiscovered GFCI receptacle some where in the circuit.

Missouri Bound
Apr 18, 2011, 05:06 PM
It's often overlooked, but you can't reset a GFCI unless there is power to the outlet.