If your GFCI suddenly starts tripping, it’s essential to diagnose the problem.
One of the most common symptoms is the device’s symbol spinning, meaning it’s ready to release its’ current. To fix a GFCI that constantly trips in your garage, contact an electrician.
So, how do you fix a GFCI that keeps tripping in the garage? GFCI outlets are designed to prevent electrical shock in wet or rainy conditions.
They detect electrical faults and trip the breaker within a fraction of a second. GFCI outlets are usually installed in bathrooms, kitchens, garages, and other areas with wet or dirty conditions.
However, sometimes GFCI outlets trip randomly for no apparent reason. Below are some reasons why GFCI outlets trip and how to fix them.
Contents
How To Fix GFCI That Keeps Tripping In Garage
Replacing a faulty GFCI
If the GFCI still trips after resetting the breaker and unplugging all connected appliances, then it is likely that the GFCI itself has become faulty and needs to be replaced.
To do this, you will need to turn off the power to that circuit at your main service panel before disconnecting the old GFCI from its wires and mounting box.
Once disconnected, you can then install a new GFCI of the same type and rating as the old one in order to ensure that it will work properly with your existing wiring.
Testing the new GFCI
After installing your new GFCI, it is important to test it for proper operation before turning on power to that circuit again.
To do this, simply press the “Test” button on the face of the device and make sure that it trips correctly when pressed.
If it does not trip correctly or if it trips without being pressed, then you should not turn on power to that circuit until you have verified that everything is working properly.
Resetting the breaker
After testing your new GFCI for proper operation, you can then turn on power to that circuit again by resetting its breaker at your main service panel.
Once reset, you should be able to use any connected appliances without any further issues.
Preventing future tripping
In order to prevent future tripping of your GFCI, you should regularly inspect all potential sources of electricity around your garage, such as water leaks, damaged wires, exposed outlets or switches, etc.
Additionally, you should also periodically test your GFCI for proper operation by pressing its “Test” button and making sure that it trips correctly when pressed.
Conclusion
To fix a tripping GFCI, replace the existing breaker with a GFCI breaker of the same amperage rating.
If your existing breaker is a GFCI breaker, skip this step. Next, replace the existing ground wire with a ground wire of the same gauge and type.
Finally, replace the existing neutral wire with a neutral wire of the same gauge and type.
