Why Does The Outlet Reset Button Keep Popping? (Quick Fix)

Are you dealing with a GFCI that won’t reset?

It’s common for GFCI outlets to be situated around the property in modern homes. This is why it’s important to understand how they work and what to do when they malfunction.

An issue that occurs all the time is when the outlet reset button keeps popping out.

If the outlet reset button keeps popping out, the most likely reason is there’s too much power in the outlet. To fix this, try pressing the reset button again. If this does not work, inspect the circuit breaker to see if it needs to be reset. If other lights are flickering then the entire circuit is overloaded. This can cause the reset button to keep popping out too.

It’s best to fix the circuit if that is the issue as it will likely affect all outlets in the house.

This is key as you learn how to reset a GFCI outlet when the reset button keeps popping out.

Here are the steps to follow if you want to fix a GFCI outlet reset button that keeps popping out.

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How To Fix Outlet Reset Button That Keeps Popping

1. Push the Reset Button Again

If the GFCI test button won’t push in, you will want to start with the basics to reset the GFCI outlet.

The goal is to push the reset button and pay attention to how it responds. If it goes in and stays there for a few minutes, this means the outlet itself might be faulty.

In such a case, the GFCI outlet won’t reset regardless of what you try to do.

However, if the reset button pops out immediately, this might be a sign the entire electrical circuit is malfunctioning or the circuit breaker has been tripped.

2. Check The Circuit Breaker

The next step when the GFCI reset button keeps coming out is to look at the circuit breaker.

You will want to see whether or not the circuit breaker has been tripped in the breaker panel. You can go and look at the bottom of the breaker panel to see which way the tab is.

If it’s on the wrong side, push it back and this should reset the circuit breaker after it’s been tripped.

When that is the issue, the GFCI outlet will start working right away and the reset button is going to stay in.

3. Turn Off Power Supply

If the GFCI outlet reset button won’t stay in when pushed, it’s time to look deeper into what the problem is.

This includes turning off the power supply.

You don’t want to play around with the GFCI outlet or any other electrical component until the power is off to that fixture. This is to ensure you don’t get shocked when fixing the circuit.

Turn off the power supply and then recheck the outlets to ensure power is not running through them.

This is a must.

4. Look For Warning Signs of Overloaded Circuit

It’s common for the GFCI outlet’s reset button to keep coming out because of an overloaded circuit.

You will notice warning signs when the circuit is overloaded.

These can include:

• Flickering Lights
• Multiple Outlets Not Working
• Circuit Breaker Keeps Getting Tripped

If that is the case, it’s time to look at other options available to you. You don’t want a situation where the circuit is overloaded and you continue to use other electrical features in the house.

It’s important to reduce the load on the circuit and then reset the GFCI outlet in your house.

5. Replace the GFCI Outlet

The last step when everything else doesn’t work is to simply replace the GFCI outlet.

If the circuit is not overloaded and the reset button doesn’t stay in then it’s likely a fault outlet. By replacing the GFCI outlet, you should be good to go as long as the wiring is securely attached.

When the outlet reset button won’t stay in, a replacement GFCI outlet should do the trick.

Final Thoughts

These are the most important steps to fixing an outlet reset button that keeps popping.

To fix an outlet reset button that keeps popping out, start by pressing the reset button. If it pops out immediately, the circuit breaker has tripped. If it takes time to pop out, the GFCI outlet has to be replaced. Turn off the power supply, check the circuit breaker, and reset it to see if the outlet works. If not, you will have to change the GFCI outlet.

This is the only way to get the outlet to work in that part of the house.

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