You walk into the bathroom, flip on the light, and the outlet won’t power your hair dryer. Or you plug something into the garage and nothing happens. Don’t panic — most of the time this comes down to a tripped GFCI outlet. Let’s go step by step.

What a GFCI Outlet Does

A GFCI (Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter) protects people from electric shock in areas with moisture, like bathrooms, kitchens, garages, and outdoor spaces. If it senses an imbalance, it shuts off power in a fraction of a second.

The National Electrical Code (NEC) requires GFCIs in these locations, and each new code cycle has expanded the list. If your home was built before the 1990s, there’s a good chance upgrades are still needed.

Step 1: Find the GFCI Outlet

Look for the outlet with the small “RESET” and “TEST” buttons.

• In bathrooms, it’s often the first outlet on the wall.
• In garages, you may find one near the breaker panel.
• In older homes, one GFCI may control several outlets, so the “dead” outlet might be downstream.

Step 2: Press the Reset Button

Press the RESET button firmly until it clicks. If the outlet comes back to life, you’re good to go. If it trips again right away, unplug everything and try resetting once more.

Still dead? Move on to the breaker panel.

Step 3: Check Your Breaker Panel

A tripped breaker looks slightly out of line with the others. Flip it fully off, then back on. If the breaker keeps tripping, the circuit likely has a fault that needs attention.

Step 4: Know When It’s More Than a Reset

Sometimes a GFCI won’t reset because:

• The device itself is worn out (they don’t last forever).
• The wiring is loose or damaged.
• The outlet wasn’t grounded properly in the first place.
• Multiple outlets tied to one GFCI are drawing too much.
  

If that’s the case, it’s time to call an electrician.

Why Arizona Homes See This Often

Many Phoenix and Mesa homes built before modern code updates never had GFCIs in every spot. Homeowners sometimes “daisy chain” outlets in garages or bathrooms, which makes it harder to troubleshoot when something goes out.

The Safe Fix

Replacing or adding GFCIs isn’t just about convenience — it’s about safety. The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports GFCIs prevent hundreds of shocks and electrocutions every year. Keeping them updated is one of the simplest ways to protect your family.

Need Help? Call The Wire Guy Electric

If your bathroom or garage outlets still aren’t working after a reset, don’t take chances. We’ll test your GFCI circuits, repair wiring if needed, and bring your home up to code.

• Electrical Troubleshooting
• Panel Upgrades
• Serving Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Mesa

Don’t fight with outlets every time a storm rolls through. Call The Wire Guy Electric and we’ll get your home outlets working the way they should.