When a GFCI trips, there must be a reason. Instead of just resetting the GFCI, you also must investigate the cause of the trip. Ground faults occur when electrical current finds an unintended path to ground. The usual ground-fault suspects include worn insulation, conductive dusts, water, or other “soft grounds.”

Most GFCI protectors have a spring-loaded breaker button. When the GFCI senses a problem, the breaker button is “tripped.” The breaker button needs to be manually reset in order for the power to be re-established to the outlet. The breaker button will trip again if the electrical problem still persists. Continuously tripping breakers indicate that there is an electrical problem. Call an electrician if the GFCI continues to indicate there is a problem.