skip to main content

Electrical Wiring

Help outlet won't reset!

7 years ago

So I had two things plugged in one outlet in garage ... a small fan and surge protector strip that fridge was plugged into. I turned off the fan and now there is no power to that outlet and the reset button didn't pop out

when I go to push test it clicks what does that mean? I checked all breakers and they are on. I went around and tested all reset type outlets and nothing changed..what the heck?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

Ron Natalie
7 years ago
Unplug everything and see if it will reset. If it still won't reset, carefully pull out the wiring and make sure that nothing (including the bare wire in the box) is touching anything else.
MaWizz thanked Ron Natalie
MaWizz
Original Author
7 years ago
Thanks Ron I Did unplug everything and try to reset but nothing happened that's when I push the test button it just clicks. I'm a little leery to take the outlet apart because I don't want to get zapped. Am I supposed to turn off the corresponding breaker first ? I will try it later when I get home.
Related Discussions
Oil burner is triggering motor reset button and won't start
Q
Comments (14)
To address the possible root cause of improper air supply, today I removed the pipe from the furnace to the chimney to see if there was any blockage. There was a small pile of soot on the back of the furnace and on the entrance to the chimney. I don't think enough to cause the safety to trip. In the chimney however there was a lot of soot at the base of the chimney. I took out about a foot of soot in the bottom and there could be more but the hose on my little shop vac wouldn't reach further. I'm assuming that is not supposed to be there, is that correct? Could this building soot create an improper draft that would pop the safety reset? As for the motor, you are right, there is only one that matches the specs of the one I currently have - Grainger Item # 4MA12. If this model is installed does that mean I no longer need a stack controller? http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/oil-burner-motors/hvac-motors/motors/ecatalog/N-9y9Z1z0nw85
...See More
Sump pump Alarm keeps coming on !!! -Alarm won't reset
Q
Comments (2)
Correction:- DH says main pump is not a goulds pump, the backup pump is. Old one was something else -cant remember. The new one is Hydromatic. Thanks for helping!
...See More
GFI won't reset
Q
Comments (3)
GFCI receptacles in exterior locations routinely fail after a few years. Equipment exposed to outdoor conditions can be made to last longer by coating of PC boards ad other steps, but the cost of production GFCI receptacels is so low it is cheaper to replace them. If the receptacle will not reset with nothing plugged in, it likely has been damaged from exposure. Replace the unit.
...See More
Bathroom Outlet Reset Question.....
Q
Comments (2)
Most likely explanation is that one of the items you unplugged is causing the tripping. Try plugging in each item by itself and run through the cycle of turning on and using and see which one trips the outlet.
...See More
kudzu9
7 years ago
It could be a failed GFCI receptacle that needs replacement. Since you are worried about getting zapped, that suggests that you don't have the experience to do this safely by yourself. Call an electrician.
MaWizz
Original Author
7 years ago
Yeah I decided to wait ... I noticed the other outlet in garage has a green light on and this light is out ...does that mean it's a failed GFCI?
Ron Natalie
7 years ago
Your likely choices are:

1. You have a real ground fault somewhere and the device is doing it's job.
2. The device is broken.
3. The wiring leading up to the device has malfunctioned preventing it from getting power and working properly.

Easy diagnostic tests for each of these, but if you're unable to remove the thing from the wall, you won't be able to do them.

Normally, I'm against just replacing things to see if they are broken, but a lot of GFCI receptacles (especially the cheap-ass stuff builders foist on people) have pretty bad reliability stats.

Related Stories

DECORATING GUIDES Refresh Your Home With 12 Updates That Won’t Break the Bank

By Lauren Dunec Hoang

Bring new life to your home in time for the new year

MORE ROOMS Where to Put the TV When the Wall Won't Work

By Pangaea Interior Design, Portland, OR

See the 3 Things You'll Need to Float Your TV Away From the Wall

REMODELING GUIDES You Won't Believe What These Homeowners Found in Their Walls

By Mitchell Parker

From the banal to the downright bizarre, these uncovered artifacts may get you wondering what may be hidden in your own home

SMALL SPACES Houzz TV: You Won’t Believe Everything This Tiny Loft Can Do

By Mitchell Parker

Looking for more floor space, a San Francisco couple hires architects to design a unit that includes beds, storage and workspace

SMALL SPACES Downsizing Help: Where to Put Your Overnight Guests

By Becky Dietrich, Interior Designer

Lack of space needn’t mean lack of visitors, thanks to sleep sofas, trundle beds and imaginative sleeping options

MOST POPULAR 9 Real Ways You Can Help After a House Fire

By Alison Hodgson

Suggestions from someone who lost her home to fire — and experienced the staggering generosity of community

REMODELING GUIDES Key Measurements to Help You Design the Perfect Home Office

By Steven Corley Randel, Architect

Fit all your work surfaces, equipment and storage with comfortable clearances by keeping these dimensions in mind

DECLUTTERING Downsizing Help: Choosing What Furniture to Leave Behind

By Becky Dietrich, Interior Designer

What to take, what to buy, how to make your favorite furniture fit ... get some answers from a homeowner who scaled way down

GREAT HOME PROJECTS Power to the People: Outlets Right Where You Want Them

By Mitchell Parker

No more crawling and craning. With outlets in furniture, drawers and cabinets, access to power has never been easier

DECORATING GUIDES Tricks to Hide Light Switches, Outlets and Toilet Roll Holders

By Toronto Interior Design Group

Embrace camouflage and other design moves to make these eyesores virtually disappear

Sponsored

Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery

233 Reviews

Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery

More Discussions

Glow effect on portico ceiling

14

Where to move back deck fan and light switch?

3

Samsung Frame TV over a fireplace

13

Does NEC require a DUPLEX receptacle in kitchen?

2

Is Hubbell the only UL listed pop-up outlet for NYC Kitchen island?

4