A Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlet that keeps tripping is likely doing what it’s supposed to. They are designed to detect an imbalance in your current and trip if a small amount is leaking out that could cause shock or fire. This imbalance might be caused by moisture, damaged wiring, faulty appliances, or internal wear inside the GFCI device.
So, why does your GFCI keep tripping? It’s keeping you safe from problems that can cause serious damage.
Why Phoenix Weather Conditions Impact GFCI Performance
Here in Phoenix, we get really hot summers and the occasional monsoon.
Outdoor GFCIs that are exposed to extreme heat can crack or fail. Wind-driven rain can force moisture into outdoor electrical boxes and conduits. Even small amounts of water can create current leakage that causes a GFCI to trip.
If moisture gets inside a device, it doesn’t always dry out quickly, so even after the storm’s long gone, moisture may be the answer to “Why does my outdoor GFCI keep tripping?” in Phoenix.
Why Does My Outdoor GFCI Keep Tripping? It Might Be Your Pool Equipment
Pools and spas rely on GFCI protection for pumps, heaters, lighting, and control systems. These devices draw higher loads and operate near water, increasing sensitivity to ground faults. If you have older pool equipment, a motor that’s wearing out, or these circuits are shared by other devices, GFCIs can trip.
These require a licensed electrician to diagnose due to the added risk. Water and electricity don’t mix well.
Common Indoor Causes of Repeated GFCI Tripping
If your indoor GFCIs keep tripping, the culprit is often the appliance you’re plugging in and not the outlet itself. Hair dryers, refrigerators, freezers, and older power tools can leak small amounts of current internally. Plugging these devices into a GFCI may cause immediate or repeated tripping.
Loose wiring connections, worn receptacles, and overloaded downstream outlets can also create a power imbalance that leads to a trip. In some Phoenix homes, a single GFCI controls multiple outlets, so the problem may actually be elsewhere.
Most GFCIs will last 10 to 15 years or longer. As the outlet ages, however, it may become more sensitive and trip more frequently. It might not be able to reliably distinguish between safe and unsafe power loads, which means it can’t properly do the job it was designed to do.
How to Properly Test and Reset a GFCI Outlet
When trying to troubleshoot why does your GFCI keep tripping, the first step is testing the outlet. Press the rest button until you hear it click. If it won’t stay engaged, unplug everything connected to the outlet and try again.
Next, press the test button. This should force the reset button to pop out and shut off power to the outlet. If hitting the test button doesn’t do anything, the outlet is probably faulty and needs to be replaced.
DIY Troubleshooting You Can Do Safely
Besides resetting and testing your GFCI, there are a few quick checks you can do safely:
- Unplug all devices from the outlet and reset it. If it holds, plug devices back in one at a time to identify a potentially faulty device.
- Visually inspect the outlet for cracks, discoloration, or signs of moisture.
- Check outdoor covers to ensure they close tightly and seal properly.
If the outlet trips with nothing plugged in, the issue is likely internal or inside your wiring, and you’ll want a licensed electrician to take a look.
When to Call a Licensed Electrician
If multiple GFCIs trip together, resets don’t fix the issue, or the circuit serves outdoor equipment, pools, or spas, you’ll want a professional diagnosis. If you see burn marks, damage to the outlet or wiring, or water in the outlet, a licensed electrician can evaluate your problem and fix it.
Repeated tripping can indicate wiring faults, shared conduit issues, or breaker-level problems, which require specialized testing and repair to comply with Phoenix electrical codes.
If your GFCIs keep tripping, call George Brazil Plumbing & Electrical. For more than 70 years, we’ve helped homeowners diagnose and fix GFCI issues. We offer transparent, flat-rate pricing and guaranteed work with same-day service for most repairs.
If your GFCIs keep tripping, schedule electrical service now.