Electrical 101

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GFCI or AFCI Outlet

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 GFCIs, see the GFCI configuration page.

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.