Posts: 3,205
Threads: 0
Joined: Jul 2005
I've got an exterior GFCI outlet that wont reset. I get the red light flash when I try.
I assume that means I've got a short in the line somewhere? Is this something I can diagnose myself, or should I call an electrician?
Posts: 276
Threads: 0
Joined: Jan 2010
(04-11-2023, 06:29 AM)David Stone Wrote: I've got an exterior GFCI outlet that wont reset. I get the red light flash when I try.
I assume that means I've got a short in the line somewhere? Is this something I can diagnose myself, or should I call an electrician?
Is the exterior outlet a few years old, say 5 or more? In my experience, exterior GFCI outlets have a limited lifespan. That lifespan probably depends on environmental factors. But I would probably just replace it before digging any deeper, as a reasonably low cost troubleshooting move.
Mark
Mark in Sugar Land, TX
Posts: 1,600
Threads: 0
Joined: Jan 2014
(04-11-2023, 06:53 AM)MarkSLSmith Wrote: Is the exterior outlet a few years old, say 5 or more? In my experience, exterior GFCI outlets have a limited lifespan. That lifespan probably depends on environmental factors. But I would probably just replace it before digging any deeper, as a reasonably low cost troubleshooting move.
Mark
I absolutely agree with Mark. I have had to replace a few, all in exterior applications...
Posts: 3,205
Threads: 0
Joined: Jul 2005
Thanks. That sounds like a good option.
Posts: 5,845
Threads: 0
Joined: Apr 2003
I bought one last week at HD. $20! Ugh!
Posts: 81
Threads: 0
Joined: Feb 2008
I would check the breaker is properly reset.
And check if there are downstream outlets that need attention, like if the GFCI is first in a chain, the downstream outlets may be causing an issue. If you are willing to open it up you can disconnect the load side if there is one and see if the issue persists. Try to localize if the issue is with that one outlet or elsewhere.
Posts: 8,205
Threads: 0
Joined: Aug 2002
(04-11-2023, 01:16 PM)Kansas City Fireslayer Wrote: I bought one last week at HD. $20! Ugh!
I had to purchase 25 GFCIs. Got them on Amazon for about $8 each.
The only tool I have is a lathe. Everything else is an accessory.
Posts: 64,682
Threads: 3
Joined: Feb 2007
Location: Merryland
It's got a red light so it's got power. Replace the GFCI receptacle. They don't last forever, especially outside.
Posts: 770
Threads: 0
Joined: Jan 2007
Location: ATL
(04-14-2023, 10:14 AM)Grey Mountain Wrote: I had to purchase 25 GFCIs. Got them on Amazon for about $8 each.
bet they weren't outdoor rated ones
Posts: 64,682
Threads: 3
Joined: Feb 2007
Location: Merryland
(04-16-2023, 08:23 AM)Cabinet Monkey Wrote: bet they weren't outdoor rated ones
Not for $8.00. Had no idea you could even buy one that cheap. I feel dirty when I cheap out and buy a crummy $17 gfci