If power is lost to lights or outlets, and a circuit breaker is not tripped, it may be a tripped GFCI or AFCI outlet. A tripped GFCI or AFCI outlet may cause a standard outlet to lose power. Power to outlets or lights in a bathroom may be supplied from an GFCI outlet in the same or another bathroom, or the garage.

If the GFCI or AFCI outlet continues to trip after resetting, there may be a problem with something that is plugged in, or a bad GFCI or AFCI. If there is no power coming out of the GFCI or AFCI, but a good line and neutral going into it, the GFCI or AFCI will need to be replaced.

For information on locating these outlets, see the GFCI configurations page.

How to Troubleshoot GFCIs

GFCI or AFCI Trips Frequently

A GFCI or AFCI outlet can trip frequently for the following reasons.

A certain load is causing the GFCI or AFCI to trip.
The GFCI or AFCI is bad and needs to be replaced.
GFCI or AFCI could be connected to the load of another GFCI in error.

GFCI or AFCI Connected to the Load of Another GFCI or AFCI

When a house is being sold, there is usually a home inspection related to a mortgage or a home warranty. Electrical inspections usually check for GFCI or AFCI outlets in required locations including kitchens and bathrooms.

When preparing for a home inspection, someone may replace standard outlets with GFCIs in the bathrooms or kitchen, not knowing that they are already protected by a GFCI load in a different location. This can cause GFCIs to trip frequently.

GFCI or AFCI Outlet

Reset

Test

Normal GFCI or AFCI line load configuration

GFCI or AFCI connected to the load of another GFCI or AFCI