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Why a GFCI Keeps Tripping (Solved)

gfci outlet trips after a few hours

Hubert Miles | Licensed Home Inspector, CMI, CPI

Updated on February 17, 2024

There are several different reasons why a GFCI keeps tripping. The most common reason is water or moisture that has gotten into the receptacle box or outlet. However, a tripping GFCI device could also get caused by an overloaded circuit, a malfunctioning outlet, electrical issues, or improper installation. 

According to the National Electric Code (NEC), you must install Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets and breakers in specific locations throughout your home. GFCI protection offers an extra layer of protection to your home’s electrical system. Still, they can be highly inconvenient if they’re constantly tripping and killing power to your outlets. 

When a GFCI keeps tripping, it’s inconvenient, but it often happens for a reason. You must get to the root of the cause behind your tripping outlet or breaker, especially if the electrical problems persist. It’s also essential to understand the purpose of GFCI devices and why electricians install them in the first place. 

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What is the Purpose of GFCI? 

Ground fault circuit interrupters protect you from a fatal electrical shock around your home. GFCI devices can detect small electrical leaks between hot wires and neutral wires.

A ground fault occurs when the incoming electrical current flow exits on the hot side of the outlet but doesn’t return the same electric current flow to the neutral side. If the current flows aren’t the same, the device will trip and terminate electricity like a breaker. 

An electrical leakage current is when the electric current deviates from its intended path. The electric leak will attempt to take the shortest unintended path to the ground, creating an electric shock that can be fatal.

While there’s usually a good reason for a GFCI outlet to trip, it can also happen accidentally. Accidental trips are highly inconvenient and are often the result of improper wiring or installation or a faulty outlet. However, whenever a GFCI outlet is not working , you must get to the bottom of the problem, or it will keep happening. 

What Causes GFCI to Trip? 

Troubleshooting your GFCI devices is often a process of elimination. There are five main reasons why these outlets and breakers trip, and it’s challenging to put your finger on the right one without an in-depth investigation. To help you get started, let’s go over the five main reasons why GFI outlets trip and what to do about it. 

There is Moisture Near the Outlet 

The most common reason GFCI outlets trip is because of moisture or water in the outlet or outlet box. Water is hazardous around electricity, so GFCI outlets often get installed in potentially moist areas. These include bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, outdoor areas, and unfinished basements or attics. 

A physical splash of water is typically the cause of moisture in an outlet box and is easily detectable. However, in humid areas, such as Florida, it’s also possible for enough humidity to accumulate inside the outlet and cause it to trip.  

The best way to prevent this is to install a new GFCI outlet and box with extra protection. Modern GFCI outlet boxes are waterproof and can withstand rain, humidity, and flooding. You should replace your old GFCI outlet with one to prevent further tripping. 

Exterior outlets need GFCI protection and a bubble-type weatherproof cover to keep moisture at bay.

An Overloaded Circuit 

Another common reason your GFCI will trip is an overloaded electrical circuit. An overloaded circuit happens when you are trying to operate too many appliances or electrical devices on the same circuit. Depending on the size of your electrical wiring, your GFCI circuit can only handle so much power. 

An overloaded circuit can short circuit due to faulty or exposed electrical wiring. If two exposed wires are touching one another, it will cause the GFCI breaker or receptacle that’s powering them to trip. Unplug all the devices receiving power from the GFCI circuit breaker or outlet to determine if an overloaded circuit is a problem. 

Next, plug everything back in, one device at a time, and see if the problem reoccurs. If it does, an overloaded circuit is likely the cause of your tripping GFCI.

Plugging appliances in one at a time is also an excellent way to determine which appliance is causing the problem. It may be necessary to wire it into a separate circuit or run a new circuit entirely. 

A Ground-Fault Occurrence 

Ground faults are when the hot wire touches the ground wire or something grounded. Ground faults get caused by several different things, including: 

  • Worn out insulation 

The older your electrical wiring is, the more likely it is to have worn-out wiring insulation. When the insulation wears down enough, the hot wire can contact the ground wire and cause a ground fault. 

  • Corroded wires 

The same is true for corroded or pinched wires.  

  • Dust or debris 

If enough conductive dust collects in the outlet box, it can become an electrical conductor and leak electricity from the hot wire to the ground. 

  • Loose connections

When either a hot or neutral wire connections are loose, arcing (short circuit) occurs, which will trip the GFCI. The loose wire connection can be anywhere on the branch circuit between the circuit breaker and the GFCI receptacle outlet.

If you can’t visibly see the ground wire touching the hot wire, there’s still possibly enough electricity leakage to cause a tripped GFCI. You should contact a professional electrician or use an electricity leakage tester to see if this is the problem. If the insulation is worn enough, electricity can leak from the hot wire onto the ground. 

  • Defective appliances

A defective appliance can cause GFCI tripping to occur. A hairdryer can be a defective appliance. Defective electric motors inside common household appliances can cause current leakage, tripping a GFCI.

Nuisance Trips from a Refrigerator or Freezer

When a refrigerator trips a GFCI outlet, this usually means that it is drawing too much power from the circuit, usually when the compressor turns on. To prevent further trips, check if too many appliances are plugged into the same circuit and unplug any unnecessary items.

In older homes, it’s common for the kitchen lights and outlets to share one circuit. Since the refrigerator shares the circuit, the excessive draw can cause the refrigerator trips the GFCI breaker or outlet.

Be sure the outlet your refrigerator is plugged into has a 20-amp rating. If not, consider installing a dedicated 20-amp circuit for the refrigerator.

Many people like to put a spare refrigerator or freezer in their garage . These can often trip GFCIs that the NEC requires inside garages. If your new refrigerator keeps causing GFCI outlet trips, consider plugging it into a different outlet or installing a dedicated circuit.

Your Outlet Has Gone Bad

Like all electrical devices and components, outlets tend to go bad. On average, GFCI outlets last 15 to 20 years, but they can last longer or shorter depending on how your licensed electrician installed them. However, a faulty GFCI outlet will trip for no reason other than that it can’t handle electricity. 

It’s good to test your electrical outlets once a month by pushing the TEST button on the outlet’s face. If it trips, the power outlet is working as it should. Press the RESET button once you have finished your test. 

Improper Installation 

Finally, it’s possible that you or an electrician didn’t install the GFCI outlet correctly. GFCI outlets have to get wired a certain way, and attaching the wrong wire to the wrong spot will cause your device to trip endlessly or not work. 

How to fix a GFCI that Keeps Tripping? 

When a GFCI outlet keeps tripping, it signals that a problem exists and needs your attention. The only way to permanently fix a GFCI that keeps tripping is to get to the root of the problem.

Nuisance tripping occurs when a GFCI trips for no apparent reason. Getting to the source of the problem of nuisance trips is the only way to ensure that tripping doesn’t reoccur, and you should take this seriously.

Your qualified electrician will likely need to replace the GFCI outlet or breaker and ensure no loose connections exist.

GFCI Keeps Tripping FAQs 

When a GFCI keeps tripping, you probably have questions about how to troubleshoot why nuisance GFCI tripping occurs frequently.

Can moisture cause a GFCI to trip? 

Moisture is one of the leading causes of a tripping GFCI outlet. Water can result from excess humidity, rain, or flooding. 

Will a GFCI trip if it’s overloaded? 

A circuit overload is when you try to power too many devices on the same circuit, and it will cause your GFCI to trip as a safety measure. 

What causes a GFCI to trip repeatedly?

A GFCI may repeatedly trip if there is an electrical fault, such as a short circuit, or a ground fault, meaning the electricity exits the outlet via an unnatural path. It can also be caused by moisture exposure, worn-out wiring, overloaded circuits, or a bad GFCI sensor.

Final Thoughts 

While tripping GFCI outlets is inconvenient, it’s a safety measure. In most cases, a tripping GFCI outlet is good and prevents you from getting electrocuted. These devices rarely trip for no reason, but they can happen. Whether you perform tests yourself or hire an electrician, you must get to why your GFCI is tripping in the first place. 

gfci outlet trips after a few hours

Hubert Miles is a licensed home inspector (RBI# 2556) with more than two decades of experience in inspection and construction. Since 2008, he has been serving South Carolina through his company, Patriot Home Inspections LLC. As a Certified Master Inspector, Hubert is dedicated to providing his expertise in home inspections, repairs, maintenance, and DIY projects.

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Common Causes of GFCI Outlets Keeps Tripping and How to Troubleshoot Them

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Why Do My GFCI Outlets Keep Tripping?

Common causes of gfci outlets tripping, outlet keeps tripping after reset, outlet keeps tripping with nothing plugged in, outlet keeps tripping when i plug something in, outlet keeps tripping without load, how to troubleshoot gfci outlet tripping.

  • Check for Ground Faults: Inspect the vicinity of the outlet for indications of moisture, like water leaks or dampness. Ground faults, which can cause GFCI tripping, can occur due to moisture. It's crucial to promptly address any water-related problems to prevent potential ground faults and ensure the safety of the electrical system.
  • Inspect Wiring Connections: To prevent GFCI tripping, it is important to inspect the wiring connections within the outlet box. Check for any loose or damaged wires, as they can cause a GFCI to trip. Safely turn off the power to the outlet and carefully examine the connections, tightening any loose screws or terminals for proper installation and secure connections.
  • Test GFCI Outlet Functionality: To ensure the functionality of a GFCI outlet, press the "Test" button to simulate a ground fault and check if it trips correctly. Afterward, press the "Reset" button to restore power. If the GFCI fails to trip during testing or doesn't reset properly, it indicates a potential fault, and the outlet should be replaced to maintain electrical safety.
  • Identify Overloading Issues: It's important to be mindful of the current rating of GFCI outlets, usually 15 or 20 amps. If multiple appliances or devices connected to the outlet exceed this rating, it can cause tripping. Evaluate the number of devices connected simultaneously and redistribute the load accordingly to prevent overloading and subsequent GFCI trips.
  • Examine Water Exposure: In areas prone to moisture, such as kitchens or bathrooms, it is crucial to protect GFCI outlets with waterproof covers. Water exposure from splashes or high humidity can lead to GFCI tripping. By installing appropriate waterproof covers, you can safeguard the outlet from moisture-related issues and ensure its proper functionality.
  • Consult a Professional Electrician: If the above steps do not resolve the problem or if you are uncertain about handling electrical troubleshooting, it is wise to consult a professional electrician. They possess the expertise to conduct a comprehensive assessment of your electrical system and provide appropriate advice or repairs, ensuring safety and reliable operation.

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How To Stop a Refrigerator from Tripping a GFCI Outlet

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A Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlet is a safety device that quickly breaks an electrical circuit when it detects a leakage current to the ground, protecting people from electrical shock. However, it can be quite frustrating when your refrigerator keeps tripping the GFCI outlet. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind this issue and provide practical solutions to stop your refrigerator from tripping a GFCI outlet.

To stop a refrigerator from tripping a GFCI outlet, first reset the outlet and ensure the appliance isn’t sharing the circuit with other devices. Inspect the power cord for any damage and consider installing a dedicated circuit for the refrigerator. If the issue persists, you may install a snubber to reduce voltage spikes or replace the GFCI outlet with a standard one, after consulting with an electrician. If the refrigerator continues to trip the GFCI, it’s recommended to get it checked by a professional appliance technician.

Understanding the GFCI Outlet

Before we delve into the solutions, it’s essential to understand what a GFCI outlet is and how it works. A GFCI outlet monitors the electrical current flowing through a circuit. It measures the current leaving the hot side of the power source and compares it to the current returning to the neutral side. If there is an imbalance between the two, it indicates that some of the current is flowing along an unintended path, possibly through water or a person. In such cases, the GFCI detects the imbalance and quickly cuts off the electricity, preventing a lethal dose of electricity.

Why Does a Refrigerator Trip a GFCI Outlet?

A refrigerator can trip a GFCI outlet for several reasons. These include:

  • Overloaded Circuit : If multiple appliances are plugged into the same circuit as the refrigerator, it can cause the GFCI to trip.
  • Faulty Components : The refrigerator itself may have a faulty component, such as a compressor or motor, which is drawing too much power or causing a short circuit, resulting in the GFCI tripping.
  • Ground Fault : A ground fault occurs when an electrical conductor comes into contact with a ground conductor or a conductive surface. If there is a ground fault in the refrigerator or its electrical system, it can cause the GFCI to trip.
  • Startup or Shutdown of the Refrigerator Compressor Motor : It is common for the startup or shutdown of the refrigerator compressor motor to cause a GFCI to trip.

How to Prevent a Refrigerator from Tripping a GFCI Outlet?

To stop your refrigerator from tripping a GFCI outlet, follow these steps:

Step 1: Reset the GFCI Outlet

Unplug the refrigerator, reset the GFCI outlet by pressing the “reset” button, and plug the refrigerator back in. If the GFCI continues to trip, proceed to the next step.

Step 2: Check for Overloaded Circuit

Ensure that your refrigerator is not sharing a circuit with other appliances, as this can cause the GFCI to trip. If possible, plug the refrigerator into an alternative power outlet and see if it still trips.

Step 3: Inspect the Power Cord

Check the power cord for any damage or fraying. If you find any issues, replace the power cord.

Step 4: Consider a Dedicated Circuit

If the refrigerator continues to trip the GFCI, consult an electrician to install a dedicated circuit for the fridge.

Step 5: Install a Snubber

A snubber can be installed to reduce turn-on/turn-off voltage spikes, which may help prevent nuisance tripping.

Step 6: Replace the GFCI Outlet

If the issue persists, consider replacing the GFCI outlet with a standard outlet, especially if the refrigerator is on a dedicated circuit. However, this may not be compliant with local electrical codes, so consult an electrician before making any changes.

Remember that GFCI outlets are designed to protect against electrical shocks, so if your refrigerator is consistently tripping the GFCI, it may indicate an underlying issue with the appliance. In such cases, it is recommended to consult a professional appliance technician to diagnose and fix the problem.

The Bottom Line

While GFCI outlets are an essential part of household safety, they can sometimes cause issues with large appliances like refrigerators. If your refrigerator is frequently tripping the GFCI outlet, it’s important to identify the problem and take appropriate measures to resolve it. Always consult a professional electrician if you’re unsure about any of these steps or if the problem persists.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a dedicated circuit.

A dedicated circuit is a circuit that is reserved for a specific appliance or set of appliances. It ensures that appliances have enough power to operate without overloading the system.

What is a snubber?

A snubber is a device used in electrical systems to suppress voltage transients, which can help prevent GFCI tripping during the startup or shutdown of the refrigerator compressor motor.

Can I replace a GFCI outlet by myself?

Replacing a GFCI outlet requires knowledge of electrical systems, and any mistakes can be dangerous. It’s always recommended to consult with or hire a professional electrician for the job.

What are the signs of a faulty component in my refrigerator?

Signs of a faulty component in a refrigerator can vary, but some common ones include unusual noises, the refrigerator not cooling properly, or the refrigerator cycling too often. If your refrigerator is tripping the GFCI outlet, it could also be a sign of a faulty component.

How often should I inspect the power cord of my refrigerator?

It’s a good practice to inspect the power cord of your refrigerator every few months. Look for any signs of damage, such as fraying, burns, or cuts. If you notice any damage, replace the power cord immediately to prevent any electrical issues.

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Refrigerator Tripping GFCI

Refrigerator Tripping GFCI .css-85r32f{transition-property:var(--chakra-transition-property-common);transition-duration:var(--chakra-transition-duration-fast);transition-timing-function:var(--chakra-transition-easing-ease-out);cursor:pointer;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;outline:2px solid transparent;outline-offset:2px;color:inherit;display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;place-items:center start;padding-left:var(--chakra-space-2);min-width:var(--chakra-sizes-7);}.css-85r32f:hover,.css-85r32f[data-hover]{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-85r32f:focus-visible,.css-85r32f[data-focus-visible]{box-shadow:var(--chakra-shadows-outline);} .css-oy56l9{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;height:55%;max-height:var(--chakra-sizes-4);color:var(--chakra-colors-gray-500);opacity:0;-webkit-transition:opacity 0.1s ease-in-out;transition:opacity 0.1s ease-in-out;}

Introduction.

If your GFCI trips, don’t worry — it’s just doing its job. Let's find the source of the trip.

  • Reset your GFCI . If the reset button doesn't click, the breaker could have tripped. GFCI devices are not intended to provide overcurrent protection; that's the circuit breaker's job. If the breaker isn't tripped, your GFCI unit could be defective.

Unplug any other devices that might be sharing the circuit with your fridge.

Watch to see if you can detect anything that you do that causes the GFCI to trip.

If at all possible, try to have your fridge be the only device fed by that circuit. Best of all is a dedicated circuit with only the refrigerator Receptacle/outlet on it.

Faulty GFCI Outlet

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They fail, so a relatively cheap fix may be replacing the GFCI unit. While this is "throwing parts at the problem," the difficulty of testing, the relatively low cost, and the fairly low effort make this a worthwhile approach, especially with older GFCI outlets (7+ years).

Appliance Leakage Current

Faulty power cord.

The power cord can become damaged, especially the insulation, and can cause issues with leakage. Unplug the refrigerator. Check for breaks or cracks in the insulation. Animals may gnaw cords, too, so inspect the whole length. Especially frustrating is an internal connection between the neutral and ground.

Since the Neutral and ground are ultimately tied to each other back at the service panel, the ground wire functions as an alternate path for the return current to take. Only a little bit less current in the neutral is needed to trip the GFCI.

  • You can substitute another device, like a lamp, to see if the problem is the GFCI. If the lamp causes a problem, the GFCI is likely the culprit.
  • Use a multimeter to test the neutral and ground prongs of the cord for any kind of connection to each other. Anything other than an open circuit means a problem, either with the appliance or the cord.

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Red-Line, Yellow-Neutral, Green-Ground

  • If there are no issues with the cord, go to the next item

Leakage Currents in the Appliance

You can also have ground faults in other components, such as compressors, icemaker mold heaters, or defrost heaters which will still work but will trip the GFCI. That's what it is supposed to do, This will most likely be the compressor, but it may be the defrost heater or any other component. Check components for continuity to ground. You don't want any!

Defrost heaters can suffer from intermittent ground faults because as the ice melts, moisture can form, causing a ground fault.

Ice makers are a common source of this problem; here is a link to Refrigerator Ice Makers .

Moisture or dust in connectors and on circuit boards provides a leakage path that may be hard to trace with a meter. Look for dirt or moisture on the control board or other boards or components that will have line voltage present when operating, like power supplies. Clean them well (you may want to use high percentage Isopropyl Alcohol, over 90%) and make sure they are dry.

Damaged Appliance Wiring

Damaged wires on appliances, especially at door hinges on refrigerators, can cause an inadvertent ground. You may note a connection between moving a part and the GFCI tripping.

Improperly Connected Appliance Wiring

Sometimes, connectors inside the appliance can be exposed to moisture, and if they aren't water resistant, they can cause a ground fault (and may corrode). You can make sure your connectors are all dry, and any crimp-type connectors should have silicone grease applied to the open end. While silicone sealant (RTV) might seem a better choice for water resistance, silicone, when curing, often releases vapors that can be corrosive to the connection. It can often shrink over time. The grease protects everything.

Refrigerator Ice Makers

Find compatible replacement parts for your Refrigerator. All parts and fix kits are backed by the iFixit Quality Guarantee.

Unnecessary GFCI Outlet

If the outlet is located more than 6 feet from the edge of the top rim of a sink, it may not need to be a GFCI outlet if it isn't intended to serve countertop appliances (Fridge outlet qualifies), but...

  • 2017 National Electrical Code Art. 210.8(A)(6) indicates that the outlets not intended to serve countertop areas don't need GFCI protection.
  • So, if your fridge outlet is within that distance from a sink edge, by the strictest interpretation, it needs to be protected.
  • If not, you can omit that protection. So even under-cabinet receptacles need this. It may be worth moving a receptacle (aka outlet), even one that is behind a refrigerator, to omit protection.
  • 2017 National Electrical Code Art. 210.8(A)(2) requires GFCI protection for ALL garage outlets, so the second (old) fridge will have to deal with GFCI protection in garage outlets in newer homes.

To sum up, the NEC believes that newer appliance manufacturing standards allow lower leakage currents, so nuisance tripping is likely not to be a problem. So we see this protection more and more. You may be in a hard place with an older appliance in a newer home.

Let's keep looking and see what we can check or change.

Leaky Loads

Make sure that the refrigerator outlet or receptacle isn't sharing the circuit with another item, like an extension cord or decorative outdoor lights. The cord may be damaged, and the lights can have enough leakage current to trip the GFCI.

This is why having a dedicated refrigerator circuit can be a benefit. The inaccessible location means that it will rarely, if ever, be used for another load. But a circuit with more receptacles can be.

Make sure your fridge isn't using a power strip; there are lots of possible leakage paths in one.

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Overloaded Outlet

It may not be the appliance alone but a combination of loads drawing too much current that is causing the trip. The GFCI is not tripping ; as mentioned, it doesn't provide overcurrent protection.

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GFCI Breaker

The tripped device will be the circuit breaker at the panel. You MAY have GFCI breakers like the one shown here, (they usually have a little TEST button on them along with the operating handle), but what is described isn't a GFCI-based trip; it's an overload trip.

An electric heater sharing a circuit with a fridge can easily cause this. The heater isn't usually running when the fridge is, but once in a while, it is, and when the fridge starts, it trips the circuit. Even powering up a large computer power supply can cause this when the refrigerator is already running.

Problem Appliance and GFCI Combo

You may be at the point where you need to either dispose of the appliance or remove GFCI protection for the outlet. You should consult an electrician to see if there are solutions that allow you to keep your appliance without disabling the GFCI protection that is mandated.

Here is a video that demonstrates how to remove GFCI protection from an outlet downstream of a GFCI outlet.Faulty Power Cord

One common source of trouble with fridges is the power cord.

  • Unplug the cord and give it a thorough inspection.
  • Damage to the cord looks like worn-out insulation, kinks, or bite marks. If you notice any of these problems, replace your current power cord with a brand-new one.
  • Next, look at the power prongs.
  • If they are bent or rusted, replace the cord. If they seem fine, plug the appliance into the outlet and turn it on.
  • Plug in another device, like a lamp or clock, to test the outlet.

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No More Tripping: Tips for Troubleshooting GFCI Outlets

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets are a crucial safety feature in modern homes, protecting people from electrical shocks and electrocution.

However, you may encounter a situation where a GFCI trips for no apparent reason. It can be frustrating, especially if it occurs frequently.

In this article, we’ll explore why a GFCI may trip for no apparent reason and provide tips on how to troubleshoot and resolve the issue.

Table of Contents

What is a GFCI and How Does it Work?

Before we dive into why a GFCI may trip, it’s essential to understand what it is and how it works. A GFCI is an electrical safety device that monitors the flow of electricity in a circuit.

It protects people from electrical shock by immediately cutting off power to the circuit when it detects an imbalance in the electrical current, also known as a ground fault.

The GFCI measures the amount of current flowing out of the hot wire and compares it to the amount flowing back on the neutral wire.

If there is an imbalance of more than 5 milliamps, it trips and shuts off power to the circuit.

For more information about the difference between GFCI and CB read my article here.

Why Does a GFCI Trip for No Apparent Reason?

There are several reasons why a GFCI may trip for no apparent reason, including:

  • Overloading : GFCI outlets are designed to handle a certain amount of current. If you plug in too many devices or appliances, it can overload the circuit and cause the GFCI to trip.
  • Moisture : GFCI outlets are commonly found in areas of the home that are prone to moisture, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor areas. If water or moisture gets into the outlet, it can cause the GFCI to trip.
  • Faulty Wiring: Faulty wiring can cause a GFCI to trip. Wiring issues can include loose connections, damaged wires, or faulty installation.
  • Ground Faults: A ground fault is when the electrical current flows through an unintended path, such as through a person’s body. This can happen if a person touches a live wire or a faulty appliance. The GFCI will trip to prevent electrocution.
  • Aging: Like any electrical component, GFCI outlets can wear out over time. If your GFCI outlet is old, it may be more likely to trip for no apparent reason.

Read my comprehensive article Why my circ uit breaker keeps tripping , for in-depth information.

How to Troubleshoot a GFCI That Keeps Tripping

If your GFCI outlet keeps tripping for no apparent reason, here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot the problem:

  • Unplug all devices from the GFCI outlet: If the GFCI outlet stops tripping when you unplug everything from it, the problem may be an overload of the circuit.
  • Dry out the outlet: If the GFCI outlet is located in a moist area, such as a bathroom or kitchen, make sure it is dry. You can use a hairdryer or fan to dry out the outlet.
  • Check for loose connections: Make sure all wires are properly connected to the GFCI outlet. Loose connections can cause the outlet to trip.
  • Test the GFCI outlet: You can test the GFCI outlet by pressing the “test” button. If the outlet does not trip when you press the test button, it may be working correctly. However, it’s still a good idea to replace it if it’s old or has been tripping frequently.
  • Call an Electrician: If you’ve tried all the above steps and the GFCI outlet keeps tripping , it’s time to call an electrician. A professional can help you diagnose and repair any wiring or installation issues that may be causing the GFCI to trip.

Preventing GFCI Trips

While there are various reasons why a GFCI may trip for no apparent reason, there are some preventative measures you can take to reduce the chances of it happening:

  • Do not overload the circuit : Avoid plugging too many devices into a single outlet or circuit. Spread out the load to other outlets in the room.
  • Keep GFCI outlets dry: Moisture is a common cause of GFCI trips. Keep GFCI outlets dry, especially in areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor areas.
  • Regularly check wiring connections: Check for loose or damaged wiring and repair them promptly.
  • Test GFCI outlets regularly: Test GFCI outlets regularly using the “test” button to ensure they are working correctly.

Here’s a table summarizing the reasons why a GFCI outlet might trip and some preventative measures you can take to avoid those issues:

By following these preventative measures, you can reduce the chances of your GFCI outlet tripping and keep your home safe.

  • GFCI outlets are an essential safety feature in modern homes, but they can trip for no apparent reason.
  • Overloading, moisture, faulty wiring, ground faults, and aging can cause a GFCI to trip. If your GFCI outlet keeps tripping, there are several troubleshooting steps you can take, including unplugging devices, drying the outlet, checking for loose connections, and testing the GFCI outlet.
  • If the problem persists, it’s time to call an electrician. By taking preventative measures such as avoiding overloading circuits, keeping GFCI outlets dry, regularly checking wiring connections, and testing GFCI outlets, you can reduce the chances of GFCI trips and ensure the safety of your home and loved ones.

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Home » circuit breaker » GFCI tripping

GFCI outlet Keeps Tripping: Causes and How to Fix It.

gfci outlet keeps tripping

Ground fault circuit interrupters protect against electric shock. If your own gfci outlet keeps tripping, read on to find out why.

A ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) trips when it detects a ground fault , or current leakage even as little as 5mA between the hot and ground wire .

When the gfci detects the leakage current, it trips to protect you and the appliances plugged into the outlet.

The National Electrical Code recommends GFCI installation in every home, mostly in the bathroom and kitchen, to prevent electrocution and damage to appliances.

Related post : How to Install a GFCI Outlet in your Bathroom and Kitchen

Table of Contents

What causes a GFCI outlet to keep tripping?

A gfci device trips for so many reasons such as:

Ground faults

Ground faults occur when currents take an unintended path to the ground. Or when a hot wire touches the earth . When the ground fault occurs, currents leak to the ground.

The function of the GFCI receptacle is to detect when currents flow through an unintended path, which may be water or human.

Once the receptacle detects the current leakage, even as little as 0.005 amps, it shuts down.

This ground fault protection from the GFCI device helps protect us from electrical shock.

Related post: Circuit breaker keeps tripping without load . Causes and how to resolve them.

Causes of ground fault

  • Faulty wiring
  • Water touching the outlets or any naked cable.
  • Worn out insulation.

Consult a qualified electrician to find the cause of the breaker trip.

Overload Circuit 

Circuit overload occurs when you plug more appliances into a circuit than it can carry. Normally, a GFCL outlet handles between 15 and 20 amps. When you plug-in devices that draw more current than required, it trips the gfci.

Many things can cause circuit overload, including defective appliances, rusted wires, permanently installed electric motors, and others.

To see if the load is causing the tripping issues, do:

  • Unplug the appliances plugged into the electrical outlet.
  • Reset the gfci by pressing the reset button and wait for a few minutes to see if it will go off again. If it does, other faults may be responsible, but if it doesn’t trip, suspect the load.
  • Plug back the appliances and watch if it goes off again. If it is the load that is causing the tripping, reduce it.

Wet receptacles

Since water is an excellent conductor of electricity, it can cause your outlet to trip. A wet receptacle can allow currents to flow through it to the ground, leading to loss of current.

This loss can vary the amount of currents going in and out of the circuit. Thus causing your GFCI to trip.

Electrical fault

If your GFCI breaker continues to go off, there may be an electrical issue arising from wrong connection.

Faulty connections can cause a current to leak to the ground, leading to a ground fault.

Faulty GFCI outlet

If, after trying the above methods, the GFCI still trips, replace the receptacle box with a new gfci.

You can buy a new outlet here@ Amazon

Call a licensed electrician to replace the outlet to avoid faulty connections.

You can also contact us at mariaelectrical.com to troubleshoot and replace the outlets for you.

How to troubleshoot and fix a tripping ground fault circuit interrupter (gfci)

Here are some steps you can take to fix a tripping GFCI:

Check the appliances

Unplug all the appliances connected to the GFCI and check if any part or wire is bad. A damaged wire or device can short circuit , causing the outlet to trip. If there is fault, change or replace the wire.

Check for overload

A GFCI can only handle a certain amount of electrical load . If you have too many appliances or devices connected to the outlet, it may trip. Try unplugging some devices and see if that fixes the problem.

Look for loose connection or bad wiring

Remove the plate cover from your outlet and inspect the wire connection. Make sure that the wiring is OK. And there is no loose connection or burnt wire.

If you are not familiar with wiring, call an electrician to inspect the wiring.

Check for moisture

GFCIs outlets trip when they detect moisture or water, make sure the environment is dry. If it is wet, clean it with dryer so that it will not conduct electricity.

Test and reset the gfci outlet

Press the “Test” button on the outlet to trip it. Then press the “Reset” button to restore power. If it trips again, the GFCI may need to be replaced.

Call a qualified electrician for assistance.

Mariaelectricals offers a range of electrical services and inspections. We have professionally trained and licensed electricians for your electrical work.

If your gfci outlet is constantly tripping, contact us to schedule an appointment .

Related articles

  • What are the Differences Between Circuit Breakers and GFCIs?
  • GFCI Won’t reset, 7 Causes and How to Fix it.
  • Ungrounded Outlets Explained! Dangers and How to Fix the Issue.

About mariaelectricals

Hi, I am Emmanuel Nwankwo, a commercial electrician and the founder of mariaelectricals.com . I established this blog to share my decades of work experience in electrical installations and repairs.

Mister Sparky®

  • Expert Tips

Fix a GFCI Outlet That Keeps Tripping

March 3, 2023

How to Fix a GFCI Outlet that Keeps Tripping

You likely have multiple GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) outlets to keep your Denver house safe and up to code. While most will be in potentially wet rooms, such as the kitchen or bathroom, you may also have opted to increase safety by adding them to other rooms. If these safety outlets keep tripping even when there appears to be no danger, there may be a danger you don’t see.

Here are some possible triggers that could be tripping your GFCI outlets and which situations you can solve without professional assistance.

Why Does My GFCI Outlet Keep Tripping?

While several things can trip a GFCI outlet, their core purpose is to prevent ground faults in the circuit. A ground fault occurs when a leak of energy flows outside the intended path. The GFCI will cut power to the electric flow to prevent electric shock or fire. These are a few possible reasons your GFCI outlet keeps tripping after a reset:

Moisture inside the outlet. An outlet exposed to weather or in a room where it could have contact with water—such as the bathroom or laundry room—may trip if moisture gets inside. If this happens, allow the outlet to dry completely before attempting to reset.

Dust or debris. If the GFCI gets clogged with dust or debris, it will disrupt the electricity. This disruption prevents fire hazards where the detritus overheats, catches flame, and prevents damage to your appliances. Before resetting the outlet, use a soft-bristled brush to dislodge the dust.

Worn or damaged wires. Whether from a rodent chewing in the walls or from regular wear, the rubber insulation on your home’s wires can become damaged. The unprotected wire may overheat and spark a fire behind the wall or allow a flood of energy to potentially fry the appliance on the other end if not stopped by your GFCI outlet. You can identify damaged wires by the smell of burning plastic or an outlet cover that feels warm to the touch. If you suspect this is the reason your GFCI keeps tripping, call a trusted electrician to repair the wiring.

Old or faulty outlet. GFCI outlets commonly last for 15-25 years. However, a defective outlet can give out after only a few years. If the GFCI malfunctions and regularly trips itself, consider replacing the receptacle.

Ground fault in the circuit. GFCI outlets prevent ground fault circuits by design, cutting power to potentially dangerous circuits that could cause an electric shock. Then, it’s left to you (or a professional) to identify the ground fault's source. In most cases, a ground fault occurs when an appliance is damaged or wet where it’s not supposed to be.

How to Reset and Test a Tripped GFCI: Step by Step

Once you know the outlet is free of dust and moisture, you can run the GFCI through this test to determine if your outlet is faulty or has a ground fault in the circuit.

Unplug all appliances from the circuit.

Press the GFCI reset button on the center of the receptacle.

One by one, plug in and turn on each device. When the GFCI trips, there are two possibilities: either the last appliance you plugged in is leaking electricity and causing a ground fault, or the number of devices is overloading the circuit.

Unplug all of the devices and reset the outlet.

Plug only the last device back in. If the circuit trips with only one machine, it has a ground fault and should be repaired or replaced. Certain appliances and electronics are eligible for recycling in Denver .

Find Certified Electricians in Denver

You may need more specialized assistance if your GFCI outlets continue to trip after troubleshooting the issue. At Mister Sparky of Denver, our electricians are skilled at troubleshooting and repairing electrical outlets . For quick and precise service, please request an appointment online or call us at (303) 747-4279 .

HIGHEST RATED ELECTRICIAN IN TOPEKA & LAWRENCE!

electrical outlet

How Do GFCI Outlets Work & What Causes A GFCI to Trip?

Customers often ask our CWC Electric, LLC electricians how GFCI outlets work and what causes them to “trip” or stop working. Troubleshooting non-functioning GFCI outlets are a common electrical service call which can be expensive and frustrating to homeowners.

GFCI stands for G round F ault C ircuit I nterrupters and it was designed by Charles Dalziel in 1961. Mr. Dalziel was a professor of electrical engineering at UC Berkeley and wrote The Effects of Electric Shock on Man , a treatise which explained the effects of varying amounts of electricity on humans. Mr. Dalziel apparently knew a thing or two about how much electricity it took to kill a person and developed a device designed to protect human lives. In contrast, circuit breakers were designed to protect equipment and buildings and operate completely differently.

Here’s a mini-lesson on electricity: ​ All electricity attempts to return to its original source. In other words, when an electrician refers to a circuit, he is talking about electricity leaving your panel, flowing through the insulated wires in your house to supply power to any energized items and then following a return path back to the panel. Circuit simply refers to a roughly circular route that starts and finishes at the same place…in this case, your electrical panel.

A GFCI outlet measures the power coming in and then returning to your panel as it completes the circuit. It was designed to detect any difference more than 4 or 5 milliamps and to react quickly (less than one-tenth of a second) to shut down any circuit out of this small range.

For reference, there are 1,000 milliamps in an amp. Any current over 1 milliamp can be felt, 5 milliamps will produce a painful shock, currents at 10-15  milliamps can paralyze or freeze muscles (making it impossible to release an energized object such as a tool, appliance or wire)  and currents as low as 50-100 milliamps can be fatal. If a person is accidentally exposed to electricity, it is very important to stop the flow of electricity into the body as fast as possible. Each year there are an average of 400 home related electrocutions, about 60 which are associated with consumer appliances.

When a GFCI “trips” it is working as designed. If the GFCI’s internal current transformer senses more than a 4-5 milliamp loss, it instantly shuts down the outlet and any outlets it feeds to prevent accidental electrocution. Most often, when a GFCI “trips” it is the result of a faulty appliance plugged into the outlet or an outlet down circuit. Before calling an electrician, you may want to try this simple diagnosis: Unplug all appliances plugged into or down circuit from the GFCI, reset your GFCI by pushing the button in the center of the outlet and then plug the appliances back into the GFCI one at a time and turn them on to see if any of the appliances are causing the appliance to “trip”. If you plug in your coffee maker and the GFCI immediately trips, it is likely you have a faulty appliance and the GFCI is operating as designed.

All man-made objects have a lifespan and eventually wear out. It is recommended that all GFCI’s should be tested monthly to ensure they are operating correctly. Simply push the TEST button to turn power off to the circuit which should cause the RESET button to pop up. You will need to hit RESET to turn the GFCI back on. Do not assume that because an outlet is working that the GFCI protection is in effect. Newer  have an interlock to prevent the outlet from working if the GFCI protection fails however older GFCI outlets do not have this built-in failsafe.

GFCI outlets should be installed in any area where moisture can be potentially present, examples include kitchen countertop outlets, bathroom outlets, all exterior outlets and garages. Your electrician may suggest additional areas where GFCI protection is recommended or required by the National Electrical Code.

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Why Does my GFCI Outlet Keep Tripping?

Testing

It is important to know how to troubleshoot your GFCI outlet if, for whatever reason, it starts to trip. After all, GFCI receptacles are meant to prevent electrical ground faults by disconnecting any electricity that could flow through the outlet.

No matter how small or large the electrical current, ground fault circuit interrupters are designed to quickly disconnect all power leading to the outlet. This is why it is very important to check your GFCI outlets to be sure that they are working properly. You can do so by pressing the “test” and “reset” pushdown buttons.

Test GFCI Outlet

GFCI outlets are commonly used in wet or damp areas, such as kitchens, bathrooms, pool houses, and other outdoor areas. The National Electrical Code, or NEC, sets the electrical standards for GFCI outlets, from how they should be installed to where you should install them.

Article 210.8 states that all GFCI receptacles can be used for any 125-volt, single-phase, 15-amp or 20-amp electrical outlets.

If your GFCI outlet is continually tripping, it could probably benefit from some further investigation. It’s no secret that like most things, GFCI outlets do not last forever. In fact, although they can have a lifespan of about 15 to 25 years, some GFCI’s can fail as early as 5 years. Electrical trips, also known as ground faults, can occur for the following reasons:

  • Worn out insulation
  • Conductive dust or debris
  • Electrical wiring deterioration

GFCI Installation

You should try to look for what is causing the leak in the electrical current. If your insulation is worn out, old, or damaged, it could cause your GFCI to trip. The insulation is in the wall is meant to help prevent such leaks from occurring. So if your insulation is worn, this can cause more leaks.

Sometimes having too much equipment or appliances plugged in can also cause your GFCI to trip. You can test this easily by using a leakage current clamp meter. This meter will measure the amount of electricity flowing through circuit and will help you diagnose what is causing your electrical outlet to trip. You can also use a ground fault receptacle tester as well.

Current Leak Meter

  • Remove the GFCI outlet and replace it. If the problem is fixed, then you know that the GFCI was the initial cause of the tripping.
  • If removing the outlet, and the problem persists, it is likely that it could be another outlet on the line, or the circuit breaker itself.

GFCI Outlet

GFCI outlets are extremely easy to replace and are much more cost effective than replacing an entire circuit board. You may even want to consider a self-testing GFCI outlet. For your own safety, never do any electrical work that you are uncomfortable with. Always call an Electrician!

Recommended Reading

How Often Should You Test Your GFCI Outlets?

How Often Should You Test Your GFCI Outlets?

Routine testing can ensure your GFCI outlets work properly as well as let you know when it's time to replace them.

Which GFCI Do I Use and Where?

Which GFCI Do I Use and Where?

Explore the crucial aspects of GFCI outlets with our essential guide. From understanding their function to practical tips, this guide is your go-to resource for navigating the world of GFCI outlets.

The Advantages of Installing GFCI Outlets

The Advantages of Installing GFCI Outlets

The National Electric Code (NEC) requires that all home have ground fault circuit interrupters, or GFCI outlets. These outlets detect electrical leaks and shut off the power if danger arises, which keeps your home and your electrical devices safer.

Shakir Williams

A true creative with a penchant for the spiritual and natural order. She loves the Earth, almost as much as she loves writing about it.

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Outdoor GFCI Outlet Keeps Tripping After Rain? (Fix It Now!)

Dennis Howard

Any outdoor electrical circuit should be protected by a GFCI breaker somewhere in the circuit. GFCI circuits protect you from an accidental shock be interrupting the flow of electricity when an electrical fault is detected. Sometimes, an outdoor GFCI outlet will trip after a rainstorm.

In most instances, moisture in the electrical box housing the GFCI breaker is the cause for the GFCI breaker tripping. The problem is not with the GFCI outlet. More than likely, the problem is the location or the condition of the box housing the outlet. Other conditions may cause the GFCI outlet to trip, but these conditions are rare.

A GFCI circuit breaker outlet that is not operating correctly is a hazard. You should address this problem quickly. In many cases correcting this problem safely requires the services of a licensed electrician. GFCI breaker outlets are not repairable. If the GFCI outlet is the problem, the only safe repair is to replace the outlet.

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gfci outlet trips after a few hours

What Does GFCI Stand For?

GFCI is the acronym for Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter. A ground fault occurs when the power flowing through a set of wires finds a path to a ground outside the normal wiring system. A ground fault can be dangerous if you or anyone else is part of that least resistive path to a ground. The power begins to flow through you, causing internal and external injuries such as burns.

How does a GFCI Work?

In simple terms, a GFCI is a circuit breaker built into an electrical outlet. If the GFCI senses a ground fault in the circuit, the GFCI quickly trips and stops the flow of electricity to the outlet. This interruption happens within 1/40th of a second when the GFCI senses a ground fault.

GFCI outlets constantly monitor the flow of electricity in the circuit. If the difference in the power going into and coming out of the circuit is more than five milliamperes, the GFCI interrupts the circuit.

Problems with GFCI Outlets

GFCI outlets are not without their problems. Understanding how GFCI outlets work is a big part of diagnosing when and where problems can occur. Typically, GFCI circuits exist in areas that are prone to moisture. Many building codes require GFCI outlets in bathrooms, laundry rooms, kitchens, and other indoor spaces where moisture or water creates a hazard.

Any electrical circuit installed outdoors requires a GFCI outlet in the circuit. Most building codes specify that the electrical wiring is protected by waterproof conduit and electrical boxes as well. Sometimes these outdoor installations present problems that can cause a GFCI outlet to trip.

Wet When it Should Be Dry

Perhaps the most common cause of a GFCI outlet tripping after a rain is water where water shouldn’t be. A typical outdoor installation for a GFCI outlet is in waterproof electrical boxes that include a cover that keeps rain and other moisture from getting into the electrical box.

If moisture gets inside the electrical box, the outlet may begin to leak power to the ground wire, or it may be finding a path to ground outside the electrical wiring. In either case, the GFCI outlet is working as it should.

You may be able to diagnosis this problem yourself. A few simple steps can help you find an outlet part of the GFCI circuit and is grounding due to moisture.

Finding the outlets on a GFCI circuit may be easy if the GFCI circuit has tripped. One GFCI circuit can protect several outlets. If your GFCI outlet is tripped, you can check other electrical boxes and outlets using a voltmeter, a circuit tester, or a live circuit probe. These tools are not expensive and are available at most of the big box home improvement stores.

For your safety, always turn off the circuit breaker at the service panel before working on any electrical circuit. Even though the GFCI outlet is tripped, you should turn off the breaker. Turning the circuit breaker off prevents any power to the circuit.

The easiest way to dry out an electrical box that you suspect has moisture is with a hairdryer. Use the hairdryer set on its lowest setting. Play the warm air into the electrical box and over the outlet. Be careful not to get the hairdryer to close or you risk melting the electrical box if it is plastic or the insulation on the wires.

Do this with each electrical outlet box in the circuit protected by the GFCI outlet. Dry out the GFCI box as well. Take your time and make sure that the boxes are completely dry and free of moisture.

Restore the power to the circuit by turning the circuit breaker on at the service panel. Next, carefully reset the GFCI outlet by pressing the reset button. If all is well, power this will restore power to your GFCI protected circuit.

If your GFCI outlet trips immediately, moisture in your electrical circuits is probably not the problem. It would be best to turn off the power at the circuit breaker and call a licensed electrician to find the problem and correct it.

If drying out the boxes seems to work, the culprit is probably a water leak allowing excess moisture into one of the electrical boxes. Examine each of your waterproof electrical outlet boxes. These boxes should have covers with seals that protect the outlet inside from excess moisture.

Check the box and the box lid for cracks or other damage that can allow water to enter. Open the lid and check the foam seal around the edges. These seals are easily damaged or lost if you use the box regularly. Replace the seals if damaged or missing.

Remember, the GFCI is Not the Problem

If moisture in the GFCI circuit is causing the GFCI to interrupt the power, don’t blame the GFCI. In this instance, the GFCI is operating properly to protect you and your home. GFCI outlets indeed can fail and cause similar problems, but this condition is rare. Before installing new GFCI outlets, make sure you don’t have a moisture problem in the circuit.

Other Problems to Consider

There may be other problems in the GFCI protected circuit that can cause intermittent tripping when it rains. In most cases, these kinds of problems relate to other equipment present in the circuit. Finding these types of problems may be beyond the ability of most homeowners. We suggest that you consult a licensed electrician if you suspect any of these problems with your GFCI outdoor circuit.

Other Equipment That Can Cause Problems

Many times, there are more than just outlets present in a circuit protected by a GFCI outlet. These other types of equipment can include:

  • Motion Sensors
  • Lighted electrical switches
  • Smart switches

All of these present a load on the circuit. The GFCI outlet may, under the right circumstances, interpret these loads as a ground fault and interrupt the power to the circuit. Most of the time, the cause is improper installation of this equipment. A licensed electrician can find and solve these problems easily in most cases.

Incorrect Wiring in the Circuit

Often homeowners will install a GFCI outlet in an old outdoor circuit on older homes. While adding a GFCI outlet to a circuit is a good idea, the downstream parts of the wiring may be incompatible with the GFCI outlet. Incorrect wiring can cause problems that may result in intermittent interruptions in the circuit by the GFCI outlet.

Correcting wiring problems associated with installing a GFCI outlet in an older wiring system should be done by a licensed electrician. Many times, correcting these sorts of problems requires running additional wire or upgrading the wiring in the circuit.

A Bad GFCI Outlet

In the end, if all the other options are exhausted, you may have a bad GFCI outlet. GFCI outlets are susceptible to damage like any other outlet. Pulling or jerking on cords attached to the outlet can break the housing and cause problems. The circuits inside that outlet that sense the voltage in the circuit can fail.

A visual examination of your GFCI outlet will often reveal any physical damage. Any GFCI outlet with visible damage such as cracks, scorch marks, or other visible damage should be replaced immediately.

Internal damage to the circuitry is harder to evaluate. Our recommendation is to replace the GFCI outlet if there is any question about its condition. There are ways to test a GFCI circuit beyond the test button on the outlet. However, these kinds of tests present their dangers, and we don’t recommend that homeowners try to administer these tests. Call an electrician or replace the GFCI outlet with a new outlet.

GFCI Outlets – Don’t Neglect Them

In the end, if your GFCI outlet keeps tripping when it rains, there is a problem that needs addressing. The GFCI outlet is doing its job by interrupting the power when it senses a dangerous situation. Don’t ignore this warning. Find the problem and correct it.

Dennis Howard

Dennis is a retired firefighter with an extensive background in construction, home improvement, and remodeling. He worked in the trades part-time while serving as an active firefighter. On his retirement, he started a remodeling and home repair business, which he ran for several years.

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15 Best Day Trips from Moscow

Moscow, the sprawling Russian capital, is a city that’s both full of history and contemporary culture.

This is the centre of the Russian world, a city that armies have invaded, where nations have clashed and where revolutions have played out through the centuries.

It’s a city on the fringe of Europe, but a place that is very much at the heart of European history and politics, and for visitors, it can be a complex and enthralling destination to visit.

As much as there is to see and to do in the city itself, there is just as much to experience on day trips from Moscow too.

While Russia is undoubtedly an expansive country, and many of the better-known cities such as St Petersburg or Volgograd are hundreds and hundreds of miles away, there are many more unknown and unusual destinations to visit within a few hours’ drive of the capital.

Immerse yourself in the Russian countryside, visit war memorials, battlefields and the lavish estates of the former Russian nobility. There are rural villages, grand Orthodox Monasteries and the chance to see Russian life outside of the city first-hand.

Here are the best day trips from Moscow.

Korolev, Russia

Located just an hour north of the Moscow city centre, Korolev is an area that is almost a suburb of the expansive capital, but has retained its own unique identity. During the Soviet era, this was one of the most important industrial areas in the country, because this was the base for Soviet Space Exploration.

During World War II, the factories here produced anti-tank guns that helped keep the Soviet Union in the fight. After Germany was defeated, the factories and research centres began to focus on space.

The city became a ‘Science City’ as skilled workers from across the Union came here to settle and to launch the space programme. It became one of the more affluent areas in the country, and today, that distinction can still be seen on the streets and in the buildings.

When the Soviet Union collapsed, Korolev remained the headquarters of Russian space travel and still hosts Russian Mission Control.

2. Borodino

Borodino, Russia

A two-hour drive to the west of Moscow is the battlefield of Borodino. This is a place that is revered in Russian history, and which perhaps should be much more well-known in wider European history too, because this is where the infamous French General Napolean Bonaparte fought the Russians during his invasion in 1812.

Although the French won the Battle of Borodino and went on to capture Moscow, this was the beginning of the end for Napolean, as he went on to be ravaged by the Russian Winter and was forced to retreat soon after.

Just outside the small village of Borodino is the green and grassy field where the battle was fought. On top of a substantial hill is a lasting monument to the important event.

Kolomna, Russia

Located to the south-east of Moscow is the city of Kolomna, which in comparison to the Russian capital is very much a small-town escape.

This is one of the oldest Russian cities in the region and there is a long and intriguing history to be discovered in the museums and monasteries.

Interestingly, the city was off-limits for much its tenure under the Soviet Union, because it was the site of important weapons factories. It was only in 1994 that the city was opened up and even now it is still very much unknown to tourists.

Kolomna makes for a great day trip, and you can explore the restored medieval walls, and the city’s very own Kremlin, a huge fortress which dates back to the 16th century.

4. Zvenigorod

Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery, Zvenigorod

Zvenigorod is as little as an hour’s drive away from Moscow city centre, and the small town makes for a pleasant break from the capital.

Zvenigorod is an old and historic place, with a history dating back almost a thousand years.

There are some beautiful monasteries to visit as well as the unusual Museum of Russian Desserts, where you can sample and explore this aspect of the local culinary culture.

Zvenigorod was also a town where the world-renowned Anton Checkov once lived, and you can visit a museum here that’s dedicated to his life.

5. Sergiyev Posad

Sergiyev Posad

North of the capital is the city of Sergiyev Posad, which is one of the few well-known tourist destinations in the surrounding region.

You will find this as a suggested stop on most travel itineraries to Moscow, and many tour companies include this as part of their excursions around the city because this city is home to the famous Trinity Lavra of St Sergius.

This is a huge Russian Orthodox Monastery which has been here for hundreds of years, and continues to be run by monks who look after the revered tomb of St Sergius, who was laid to rest here.

It’s an important pilgrimage place for Orthodox Christians and an important stop for tourists.

6. Kubinka Tank Museum

Kubinka Tank Museum

Outside Moscow, you can find an unusual museum which will give you a truly ‘Russian’ experience.

The Kubinka Tank Museum was once the location of a Red Army tank testing ground. Now, it’s been turned into a huge museum that showcases every conceivable type of armoured vehicle.

7. Arkhangelskoye Estate

Arkhangelskoye Estate

The Arkhangelskoye Estate was built on the outskirts of Moscow and dates back to the late 18th century when it was constructed by a Rusian aristocratic family.

For over a century, it was the domain of the nobility, until of course, the Russian Revolution and the advent of Communism swept the family that owned the estate out of the country.

The estate was opened to the public by the Communists and turned into a museum, which it remains today.

Restoration work after the fall of the Soviet Union saved the Arkhangelskoye Estate from falling into disrepair and kept the grounds and the grand palace as a lavish example of pre-Revolution Russia.

8. Yaroslavl

Yaroslavl, Russia

Yaroslavl is found a few hours to the north of Moscow and makes for a long day trip from the city. It’s worth the journey to experience one of the region’s most popular tourist destinations.

Yaroslavl is found on the banks of the River Volga and has been a historically important city throughout Russian history. The city has even been the capital of the country at various points.

You can explore the many museums and monasteries to learn more about this intriguing destination.

9. Rostov Veliky

Rostov Veliky

Just south of Yaroslavl is the small but culturally rich town of Rostov Veliky.

This is another important site in Russian history, as the town can date its origins back to early Slavic settlement around Moscow.

Lake Nero is a beautiful and expansive lake near the town, fringed on one side by an ancient fortress, giving Rostov Veliky a wonderful atmosphere to experience.

10. Vladimir

Vladimir, Russia

Two hours east of Moscow is another historic Russian city that is very much on the regional tourist trail.

It makes for a great day trip from the capital because Vladimir dates back to the 12th century and is full of Russian history and culture.

This was one of the first Russian capitals and it still contains many beautiful medieval buildings that are hundreds of years old.

Suzdal, Russia

The small town of Suzdal is just a few kilometres north of the city of Vladimir.

The town is part of a fantastic UNESCO World Heritage Site that encompasses the historic sites from both Suzdal and Vladimir.

The town was founded in medieval times and also acted for a time as an early capital for Russian kingdoms in the region.

Klin, Russia

Klin is a fairly unassuming town to the north-west of Moscow, but it’s worth visiting to see one particular sight, the house of Tchaikovsky.

The famous 19th-century composer spent his final days here and wrote his very last piece of work in the house in Klin. It is now a museum dedicated to his life and work.

It’s a grand estate and an interesting insight into pre-Soviet, Russian culture.

13. Melikova

Melikova

A short trip past the Moscow suburbs will bring you to another famous estate, the house of renowned Russian writer and playwright Anton Checkov.

By the town of Checkov, which was renamed in his honour, the museum of Melikova will take you on a journey through his life and indeed, what the lives of many of his contemporary fellow Russians would have been like too.

14. Gorki Leninskie

Gorki Leninskie

On the southern edge of Moscow is Gorki Leniniskie.

This grand estate was once the realm of Russian nobles, but after the Russian Revolution it was personally taken over by Vladimir Lenin who turned it into his own home.

He spent much of his last years here, and after his death, the estate became a shrine to his life and legacy.

Today it still remains an interesting museum, and is still in many ways a shrine to communism.

15. Losiny Ostrov National Park

Losiny Ostrov National Park

Losiny Ostrov National Park is a huge area of protected land that is found right on the edge of Moscow and is even surrounded on several sides by suburbs of the city.

It’s unusual to find such a large national park so close to a capital and it’s easy to spend the day exploring this veritable wilderness of beautiful scenery and plentiful wildlife.

15 Best Day Trips from Moscow:

  • Sergiyev Posad
  • Kubinka Tank Museum
  • Arkhangelskoye Estate
  • Rostov Veliky
  • Gorki Leninskie
  • Losiny Ostrov National Park

2018 Primetime Emmy & James Beard Award Winner

In Transit: Notes from the Underground

Jun 06 2018.

Spend some time in one of Moscow’s finest museums.

Subterranean commuting might not be anyone’s idea of a good time, but even in a city packing the war-games treasures and priceless bejeweled eggs of the Kremlin Armoury and the colossal Soviet pavilions of the VDNKh , the Metro holds up as one of Moscow’s finest museums. Just avoid rush hour.

The Metro is stunning and provides an unrivaled insight into the city’s psyche, past and present, but it also happens to be the best way to get around. Moscow has Uber, and the Russian version called Yandex Taxi , but also some nasty traffic. Metro trains come around every 90 seconds or so, at a more than 99 percent on-time rate. It’s also reasonably priced, with a single ride at 55 cents (and cheaper in bulk). From history to tickets to rules — official and not — here’s what you need to know to get started.

A Brief Introduction Buying Tickets Know Before You Go (Down) Rules An Easy Tour

A Brief Introduction

Moscow’s Metro was a long time coming. Plans for rapid transit to relieve the city’s beleaguered tram system date back to the Imperial era, but a couple of wars and a revolution held up its development. Stalin revived it as part of his grand plan to modernize the Soviet Union in the 1920s and 30s. The first lines and tunnels were constructed with help from engineers from the London Underground, although Stalin’s secret police decided that they had learned too much about Moscow’s layout and had them arrested on espionage charges and deported.

The beauty of its stations (if not its trains) is well-documented, and certainly no accident. In its illustrious first phases and particularly after the Second World War, the greatest architects of Soviet era were recruited to create gleaming temples celebrating the Revolution, the USSR, and the war triumph. No two stations are exactly alike, and each of the classic showpieces has a theme. There are world-famous shrines to Futurist architecture, a celebration of electricity, tributes to individuals and regions of the former Soviet Union. Each marble slab, mosaic tile, or light fixture was placed with intent, all in service to a station’s aesthetic; each element, f rom the smallest brass ear of corn to a large blood-spattered sword on a World War II mural, is an essential part of the whole.

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The Metro is a monument to the Soviet propaganda project it was intended to be when it opened in 1935 with the slogan “Building a Palace for the People”. It brought the grand interiors of Imperial Russia to ordinary Muscovites, celebrated the Soviet Union’s past achievements while promising its citizens a bright Soviet future, and of course, it was a show-piece for the world to witness the might and sophistication of life in the Soviet Union.

It may be a museum, but it’s no relic. U p to nine million people use it daily, more than the London Underground and New York Subway combined. (Along with, at one time, about 20 stray dogs that learned to commute on the Metro.)

In its 80+ year history, the Metro has expanded in phases and fits and starts, in step with the fortunes of Moscow and Russia. Now, partly in preparation for the World Cup 2018, it’s also modernizing. New trains allow passengers to walk the entire length of the train without having to change carriages. The system is becoming more visitor-friendly. (There are helpful stickers on the floor marking out the best selfie spots .) But there’s a price to modernity: it’s phasing out one of its beloved institutions, the escalator attendants. Often they are middle-aged or elderly women—“ escalator grandmas ” in news accounts—who have held the post for decades, sitting in their tiny kiosks, scolding commuters for bad escalator etiquette or even bad posture, or telling jokes . They are slated to be replaced, when at all, by members of the escalator maintenance staff.

For all its achievements, the Metro lags behind Moscow’s above-ground growth, as Russia’s capital sprawls ever outwards, generating some of the world’s worst traffic jams . But since 2011, the Metro has been in the middle of an ambitious and long-overdue enlargement; 60 new stations are opening by 2020. If all goes to plan, the 2011-2020 period will have brought 125 miles of new tracks and over 100 new stations — a 40 percent increase — the fastest and largest expansion phase in any period in the Metro’s history.

Facts: 14 lines Opening hours: 5 a.m-1 a.m. Rush hour(s): 8-10 a.m, 4-8 p.m. Single ride: 55₽ (about 85 cents) Wi-Fi network-wide

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Buying Tickets

  • Ticket machines have a button to switch to English.
  • You can buy specific numbers of rides: 1, 2, 5, 11, 20, or 60. Hold up fingers to show how many rides you want to buy.
  • There is also a 90-minute ticket , which gets you 1 trip on the metro plus an unlimited number of transfers on other transport (bus, tram, etc) within 90 minutes.
  • Or, you can buy day tickets with unlimited rides: one day (218₽/ US$4), three days (415₽/US$7) or seven days (830₽/US$15). Check the rates here to stay up-to-date.
  • If you’re going to be using the Metro regularly over a few days, it’s worth getting a Troika card , a contactless, refillable card you can use on all public transport. Using the Metro is cheaper with one of these: a single ride is 36₽, not 55₽. Buy them and refill them in the Metro stations, and they’re valid for 5 years, so you can keep it for next time. Or, if you have a lot of cash left on it when you leave, you can get it refunded at the Metro Service Centers at Ulitsa 1905 Goda, 25 or at Staraya Basmannaya 20, Building 1.
  • You can also buy silicone bracelets and keychains with built-in transport chips that you can use as a Troika card. (A Moscow Metro Fitbit!) So far, you can only get these at the Pushkinskaya metro station Live Helpdesk and souvenir shops in the Mayakovskaya and Trubnaya metro stations. The fare is the same as for the Troika card.
  • You can also use Apple Pay and Samsung Pay.

Rules, spoken and unspoken

No smoking, no drinking, no filming, no littering. Photography is allowed, although it used to be banned.

Stand to the right on the escalator. Break this rule and you risk the wrath of the legendary escalator attendants. (No shenanigans on the escalators in general.)

Get out of the way. Find an empty corner to hide in when you get off a train and need to stare at your phone. Watch out getting out of the train in general; when your train doors open, people tend to appear from nowhere or from behind ornate marble columns, walking full-speed.

Always offer your seat to elderly ladies (what are you, a monster?).

An Easy Tour

This is no Metro Marathon ( 199 stations in 20 hours ). It’s an easy tour, taking in most—though not all—of the notable stations, the bulk of it going clockwise along the Circle line, with a couple of short detours. These stations are within minutes of one another, and the whole tour should take about 1-2 hours.

Start at Mayakovskaya Metro station , at the corner of Tverskaya and Garden Ring,  Triumfalnaya Square, Moskva, Russia, 125047.

1. Mayakovskaya.  Named for Russian Futurist Movement poet Vladimir Mayakovsky and an attempt to bring to life the future he imagined in his poems. (The Futurist Movement, natch, was all about a rejecting the past and celebrating all things speed, industry, modern machines, youth, modernity.) The result: an Art Deco masterpiece that won the National Grand Prix for architecture at the New York World’s Fair in 1939. It’s all smooth, rounded shine and light, and gentle arches supported by columns of dark pink marble and stainless aircraft steel. Each of its 34 ceiling niches has a mosaic. During World War II, the station was used as an air-raid shelter and, at one point, a bunker for Stalin. He gave a subdued but rousing speech here in Nov. 6, 1941 as the Nazis bombed the city above.

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Take the 3/Green line one station to:

2. Belorusskaya. Opened in 1952, named after the connected Belarussky Rail Terminal, which runs trains between Moscow and Belarus. This is a light marble affair with a white, cake-like ceiling, lined with Belorussian patterns and 12 Florentine ceiling mosaics depicting life in Belarussia when it was built.

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Transfer onto the 1/Brown line. Then, one stop (clockwise) t o:

3. Novoslobodskaya.  This station was designed around the stained-glass panels, which were made in Latvia, because Alexey Dushkin, the Soviet starchitect who dreamed it up (and also designed Mayakovskaya station) couldn’t find the glass and craft locally. The stained glass is the same used for Riga’s Cathedral, and the panels feature plants, flowers, members of the Soviet intelligentsia (musician, artist, architect) and geometric shapes.

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Go two stops east on the 1/Circle line to:

4. Komsomolskaya. Named after the Komsomol, or the Young Communist League, this might just be peak Stalin Metro style. Underneath the hub for three regional railways, it was intended to be a grand gateway to Moscow and is today its busiest station. It has chandeliers; a yellow ceiling with Baroque embellishments; and in the main hall, a colossal red star overlaid on golden, shimmering tiles. Designer Alexey Shchusev designed it as an homage to the speech Stalin gave at Red Square on Nov. 7, 1941, in which he invoked Russia’s illustrious military leaders as a pep talk to Soviet soldiers through the first catastrophic year of the war.   The station’s eight large mosaics are of the leaders referenced in the speech, such as Alexander Nevsky, a 13th-century prince and military commander who bested German and Swedish invading armies.

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One more stop clockwise to Kurskaya station,  and change onto the 3/Blue  line, and go one stop to:

5. Baumanskaya.   Opened in 1944. Named for the Bolshevik Revolutionary Nikolai Bauman , whose monument and namesake district are aboveground here. Though he seemed like a nasty piece of work (he apparently once publicly mocked a woman he had impregnated, who later hung herself), he became a Revolutionary martyr when he was killed in 1905 in a skirmish with a monarchist, who hit him on the head with part of a steel pipe. The station is in Art Deco style with atmospherically dim lighting, and a series of bronze sculptures of soldiers and homefront heroes during the War. At one end, there is a large mosaic portrait of Lenin.

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Stay on that train direction one more east to:

6. Elektrozavodskaya. As you may have guessed from the name, this station is the Metro’s tribute to all thing electrical, built in 1944 and named after a nearby lightbulb factory. It has marble bas-relief sculptures of important figures in electrical engineering, and others illustrating the Soviet Union’s war-time struggles at home. The ceiling’s recurring rows of circular lamps give the station’s main tunnel a comforting glow, and a pleasing visual effect.

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Double back two stops to Kurskaya station , and change back to the 1/Circle line. Sit tight for six stations to:

7. Kiyevskaya. This was the last station on the Circle line to be built, in 1954, completed under Nikita Khrushchev’ s guidance, as a tribute to his homeland, Ukraine. Its three large station halls feature images celebrating Ukraine’s contributions to the Soviet Union and Russo-Ukrainian unity, depicting musicians, textile-working, soldiers, farmers. (One hall has frescoes, one mosaics, and the third murals.) Shortly after it was completed, Khrushchev condemned the architectural excesses and unnecessary luxury of the Stalin era, which ushered in an epoch of more austere Metro stations. According to the legend at least, he timed the policy in part to ensure no Metro station built after could outshine Kiyevskaya.

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Change to the 3/Blue line and go one stop west.

8. Park Pobedy. This is the deepest station on the Metro, with one of the world’s longest escalators, at 413 feet. If you stand still, the escalator ride to the surface takes about three minutes .) Opened in 2003 at Victory Park, the station celebrates two of Russia’s great military victories. Each end has a mural by Georgian artist Zurab Tsereteli, who also designed the “ Good Defeats Evil ” statue at the UN headquarters in New York. One mural depicts the Russian generals’ victory over the French in 1812 and the other, the German surrender of 1945. The latter is particularly striking; equal parts dramatic, triumphant, and gruesome. To the side, Red Army soldiers trample Nazi flags, and if you look closely there’s some blood spatter among the detail. Still, the biggest impressions here are the marble shine of the chessboard floor pattern and the pleasingly geometric effect if you view from one end to the other.

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Keep going one more stop west to:

9. Slavyansky Bulvar.  One of the Metro’s youngest stations, it opened in 2008. With far higher ceilings than many other stations—which tend to have covered central tunnels on the platforms—it has an “open-air” feel (or as close to it as you can get, one hundred feet under). It’s an homage to French architect Hector Guimard, he of the Art Nouveau entrances for the Paris M é tro, and that’s precisely what this looks like: A Moscow homage to the Paris M é tro, with an additional forest theme. A Cyrillic twist on Guimard’s Metro-style lettering over the benches, furnished with t rees and branch motifs, including creeping vines as towering lamp-posts.

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Stay on the 3/Blue line and double back four stations to:

10. Arbatskaya. Its first iteration, Arbatskaya-Smolenskaya station, was damaged by German bombs in 1941. It was rebuilt in 1953, and designed to double as a bomb shelter in the event of nuclear war, although unusually for stations built in the post-war phase, this one doesn’t have a war theme. It may also be one of the system’s most elegant: Baroque, but toned down a little, with red marble floors and white ceilings with gilded bronze c handeliers.

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Jump back on the 3/Blue line  in the same direction and take it one more stop:

11. Ploshchad Revolyutsii (Revolution Square). Opened in 1938, and serving Red Square and the Kremlin . Its renowned central hall has marble columns flanked by 76 bronze statues of Soviet heroes: soldiers, students, farmers, athletes, writers, parents. Some of these statues’ appendages have a yellow sheen from decades of Moscow’s commuters rubbing them for good luck. Among the most popular for a superstitious walk-by rub: the snout of a frontier guard’s dog, a soldier’s gun (where the touch of millions of human hands have tapered the gun barrel into a fine, pointy blade), a baby’s foot, and a woman’s knee. (A brass rooster also sports the telltale gold sheen, though I am told that rubbing the rooster is thought to bring bad luck. )

Now take the escalator up, and get some fresh air.

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21 Things to Know Before You Go to Moscow

Featured city guides.

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Sightseeing & Bus Tours of Moscow

Below you can see a few samples of the tours offered in Moscow by our recommended tour providers. Unfortunately, Moscow does not yet have a company like Peter's Walk (in St. Petersburg), who are more on the alternative side of things. But you can still take a bus tour of the main attractions or visit a KGB museum if you wish. If you would like to customize your own tour , please, fill in the tour request form at the end of this page.       Introductory Sightseeing Tours:    

   

Tours around Moscow: Trips out of Town  

Customize Your Own Tour :

Send a request through Way to Russia Support System (Choose Walking Tours department) and our managers will refer your inquiry to the most relevant provider.

You can also post a question in our Talk Lounge forums and other travelers will be able to give you a good advice.

Comments, Questions, Feedback?

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Russian Court Rejects Gershkovich Arrest Appeal

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The Moscow City Court rejected Tuesday an appeal against the arrest of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, the first foreign journalist to be charged with espionage in Russia since the Cold War. 

The hearing was the first time Gershkovich has been seen in public since his arrest in the Ural Mountains city of Yekaterinburg last month. 

The WSJ reporter was dressed in a plaid shirt and blue jeans and did not say anything to journalists. 

The arrest of Gershkovich has sent relations between Washington and Moscow to a new low, with U.S. President Joe Biden telling Russia that the journalist should be released immediately. 

The United States’ ambassador to Russia, Lynne Tracy, was one of those present at the hearing.

"It was hard for me to see an innocent journalist being held in such conditions. Yesterday I was allowed to see him for the first time in the pre-trial detention center and he is healthy and holding on despite the circumstances,” Tracy told journalists at the hearing, independent outlet Mediazona reported .  

“We will continue to help him and demand consular access.”

Video of @evangershkovich listening to the court’s rejection of his detention appeal. He was detained over two weeks ago on absurd espionage charges and is facing up to 20 years in prison if convicted. #JournalismIsNotACrime pic.twitter.com/P5PhMtSdPN — Mary Ilyushina (@maryilyushina) April 18, 2023

Accused of espionage for the United States, Gershkovich was detained in Yekaterinburg on March 29. 

Gershkovich's defense team has denied all the accusations against him.

About 30 Russian and foreign journalists were present at the appeal, but not all were allowed into the courtroom.

Gershkovich was represented in court by lawyers Tatiana Nozhkina and Maria Korchagina, independent media outlet Meduza reported.

A few hours before the start of the appeal, reports suggested that activist Yaroslav Shirshikov, who first reported Gershkovich's detention and who apparently helped Gershkovich with reporting in Yekaterinburg, had been detained on terrorism charges. 

A few days after Gershkovich's detention, the Federal Security Service (FSB) announced the arrest of a couple who worked at tank factory Uralvagonzavod in Nizhny Tagil — also reportedly visited by Gershkovich shortly before his arrest — on allegations of assisting Ukrainian intelligence. 

Surveillance of Gershkovich was managed by the FSB’s counterintelligence department, which sent a special team to Yekaterinburg to carry out his arrest. 

… we have a small favor to ask.

As you may have heard, The Moscow Times, an independent news source for over 30 years, has been unjustly branded as a "foreign agent" by the Russian government. This blatant attempt to silence our voice is a direct assault on the integrity of journalism and the values we hold dear.

We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. Our commitment to providing accurate and unbiased reporting on Russia remains unshaken. But we need your help to continue our critical mission.

Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just 2. It's quick to set up, and you can be confident that you're making a significant impact every month by supporting open, independent journalism. Thank you.

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How Russia’s Independent Media Survived 2023

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Russian Court Upholds U.S. Journalist Gershkovich's Extended Detention

gfci outlet trips after a few hours

Russian Court Rejects U.S. Reporter Gershkovich’s Appeal of Extended Detention

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Family of U.S. Journalist Gershkovich Seeks UN's Help in Securing Release from Russia

IMAGES

  1. How Do You Fix a GFCI Outlet That Keeps Tripping?

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  2. Why Does my GFCI Outlet Keep Tripping?

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  3. GFCI Outlet Guide: How to Diagnose a Bad GFCI and Fix it (w

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  4. Top 5 Causes Of GFCI Outlet Repeatedly Tripping

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  5. Why Does my GFCI Outlet Keep Tripping?

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  6. Switch tripping GFCI

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VIDEO

  1. Bluecoats Massillon Encore 6-24-17 (QUALITY AUDIO)

  2. GFCI outlet trips, but still energized. Shoreview home inspection

  3. 2 Ways to Install GFCI Outlets

  4. How to Replace a GFCI Outlet (DIY Home Repairs)

  5. Gfci With No Power

  6. GFCI Outlets Only Last 1 year! Why GFCI Outlet Keep Tripping With Nothing Plugged In

COMMENTS

  1. GFCI tripping after several hours with only refrigerator on it after

    Now, after that cleaning the refrigerator is tripping the GFCI of the circuit it's on although it can take several hours. It can take 10-18 hours for it to happen I can find no pattern. Steps I've taken: Disconnected the chest freezer that has been sharing that same circuit all these years so ONLY the fridge is on that circuit.

  2. Why a GFCI Keeps Tripping (Solved)

    Updated on February 17, 2024. There are several different reasons why a GFCI keeps tripping. The most common reason is water or moisture that has gotten into the receptacle box or outlet. However, a tripping GFCI device could also get caused by an overloaded circuit, a malfunctioning outlet, electrical issues, or improper installation.

  3. What Causes GFCI Outlets to Keep Tripping?

    When a GFCI outlet keeps tripping, there must be a reason. Instead of just resetting the GFCI, you should also investigate the cause of the trip. Ground Faults: Ground faults occur when electrical current finds an unintended path to ground. These are often caused by worn insulation, conductive dust, water, or other soft grounds.

  4. Top 5 Causes Of GFCI Outlet Repeatedly Tripping

    Any slight damage means the electrical part is no longer protected from contact. 2. Moisture in the Receptacle Box. The accumulation of moisture is another major cause of GFCI tripping. Outdoor GFCI outlets are the most vulnerable, and rain is the most common culprit. However, due to the tropical climate of Florida, high humidity can also cause ...

  5. Common Causes of GFCI Outlets Keeps Tripping and How to Troubleshoot

    Ground faults, which can cause GFCI tripping, can occur due to moisture. It's crucial to promptly address any water-related problems to prevent potential ground faults and ensure the safety of the electrical system. Inspect Wiring Connections: To prevent GFCI tripping, it is important to inspect the wiring connections within the outlet box.

  6. How To Stop a Refrigerator from Tripping a GFCI Outlet

    Step 3: Inspect the Power Cord. Check the power cord for any damage or fraying. If you find any issues, replace the power cord. Step 4: Consider a Dedicated Circuit. If the refrigerator continues to trip the GFCI, consult an electrician to install a dedicated circuit for the fridge. Step 5: Install a Snubber.

  7. Refrigerator Tripping GFCI

    2017 National Electrical Code Art. 210.8(A)(2) requires GFCI protection for ALL garage outlets, so the second (old) fridge will have to deal with GFCI protection in garage outlets in newer homes. To sum up, the NEC believes that newer appliance manufacturing standards allow lower leakage currents, so nuisance tripping is likely not to be a problem.

  8. No More Tripping: Tips for Troubleshooting GFCI Outlets

    If your GFCI outlet keeps tripping for no apparent reason, here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot the problem: Unplug all devices from the GFCI outlet: If the GFCI outlet stops tripping when you unplug everything from it, the problem may be an overload of the circuit. Dry out the outlet: If the GFCI outlet is located in a moist area ...

  9. GFCI outlet Keeps Tripping: Causes and How to Fix It.

    A ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) trips when it detects a ground fault, or current leakage even as little as 5mA between the hot and ground wire.. When the gfci detects the leakage current, it trips to protect you and the appliances plugged into the outlet. The National Electrical Code recommends GFCI installation in every home, mostly in the bathroom and kitchen, to prevent ...

  10. 20 amp circuit breaker trips after a few minutes or sometimes hours later

    From your comments, a GFCI outlet tripping is not your problem. You can get power monitor devices that will tell you what each device draws. The simplest is the Kill-a-Watt, which for about $20 and measures a single load. They make more sophisticated monitors too. The breaker that's tripping has a number - either 15 or 20. That's the maximum amps.

  11. Why Is Refrigerator Tripping the GFCI Outlet?

    1. Reset the GFCI Outlet. The first step is to check the GFCI outlet. When your refrigerator turns off and it is plugged into a GFCI outlet, it could have simply been caused by "nuisance tripping.". It's called that because the GFCI is very sensitive and can randomly trip when it shouldn't.

  12. How to Fix a GFCI Outlet that Keeps Tripping

    Old or faulty outlet. GFCI outlets commonly last for 15-25 years. However, a defective outlet can give out after only a few years. If the GFCI malfunctions and regularly trips itself, consider replacing the receptacle. Ground fault in the circuit. GFCI outlets prevent ground fault circuits by design, cutting power to potentially dangerous ...

  13. How Do GFCI Outlets Work & What Causes A GFCI to Trip?

    When a GFCI "trips" it is working as designed. If the GFCI's internal current transformer senses more than a 4-5 milliamp loss, it instantly shuts down the outlet and any outlets it feeds to prevent accidental electrocution. Most often, when a GFCI "trips" it is the result of a faulty appliance plugged into the outlet or an outlet ...

  14. Why Does my GFCI Outlet Keep Tripping?

    Article 210.8 states that all GFCI receptacles can be used for any 125-volt, single-phase, 15-amp or 20-amp electrical outlets. Problem: If your GFCI outlet is continually tripping, it could probably benefit from some further investigation. It's no secret that like most things, GFCI outlets do not last forever.

  15. Outdoor GFCI Outlet Keeps Tripping After Rain? (Fix It Now!)

    Step 4: Turn on the Power and Reset the GFCI. Restore the power to the circuit by turning the circuit breaker on at the service panel. Next, carefully reset the GFCI outlet by pressing the reset button. If all is well, power this will restore power to your GFCI protected circuit.

  16. GFCI trips constantly for 4 days, now resets okay

    So the best response to a GFCI trip is look for a ground fault. Start by unplugging anything fed from that circuit. If unplugging appliances works, then plug them back in 1 at a time until you find the tripper. Or, the leak can also occur in the wiring, e.g. if mud wasps build a condominium inside an outdoor receptacle box.

  17. 15 Best Day Trips from Moscow

    Restoration work after the fall of the Soviet Union saved the Arkhangelskoye Estate from falling into disrepair and kept the grounds and the grand palace as a lavish example of pre-Revolution Russia. 8. Yaroslavl Source: LukaKikina / shutterstock Yaroslavl. Yaroslavl is found a few hours to the north of Moscow and makes for a long day trip from ...

  18. How to get around Moscow using the underground metro

    Opening hours: 5 a.m-1 a.m. Rush hour(s): 8-10 a.m, 4-8 p.m. ... Hold up fingers to show how many rides you want to buy. There is also a 90-minute ticket, which gets you 1 trip on the metro plus an unlimited number of ... (830₽/US$15). Check the rates here to stay up-to-date. If you're going to be using the Metro regularly over a few ...

  19. Sightseeing & Bus Tours of Moscow

    Horseback rides and trips in the hills over the Volga between Moscow and St. Petersburg. Private "dacha", home environment, gentle animals, and very inexpensive. The $25/person/day includes shelter, food, and unlimited unescorted rides. Riding companions and instructors can be arranged. Working holidays possible. More info at www.russian-horse ...

  20. receptacle

    The new one tripped immediately after energizing it (yes it was installed correctly). I unplugged everything downline, but still tripped, I checked every outlet downline for loose wires, etc. all was good. The GFI of course is at the head of the circuit. Panel —> GFI —> Load (7 outlets). I double-checked the ground, neutral and hot wires ...

  21. Russian Court Rejects Gershkovich Arrest Appeal

    Gershkovich was represented in court by lawyers Tatiana Nozhkina and Maria Korchagina, independent media outlet Meduza reported. A few hours before the start of the appeal, reports suggested that ...