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Seeing the outlet light green but still no power? You might be considering this a dead outlet, don’t you?
But look, this issue will not create that much trouble at all! In our article, you will get to know the reason and solution of this.
So, why does your GFCI green light on but no power?
The wiring issue comes first as the key reason behind your GFCI outlet getting no power. Apart from the green light, there are other lights available including red and yellow. Meanwhile, your trouble gets easier while seeing the green light shown when the outlet shuts off.
That’s not everything! In this article, we will guide you towards the troubleshooting of this issue.
So, let’s get going!
Why GFCI Has Green Light But No Power? Key Reason!
It’s time to explore the key reason behind this!
Reason: Miswiring On The Outlet
Before starting the discussion, you should know this-
While the outlet shows green light, it means every function of it is quite well-going. Along with that, it is capable of supplying sufficient power.
Either it is into the receptacle or out of this, power can be supplied. Then, which reasons are behind this?
Well, miswiring the outlet comes first. Now you know the reason against asking “green light on my GFCI outlet but no power”. Don’t you? Let’s see from here how to wire the outlet properly.
Step 1: Turn Breaker Off
First of all, get your breaker at the panel turned off. Without deactivating, the DIY process can be quite dangerous as it directly controls the circuit. Whether it’s about DC or AC amps, the circuit shows the same nature.
As the wiring issues are there, you might find the breakers get the wrong labeling.
To do this right, you can find the right label by plugging in a light. In the meantime, adding a clock radio is another essential tool to the receptacle.
Once you have done this, simply turn the breakers off one after another. Confident that you shut the correct breaker down?
Now, once you turn off the correct breaker, label it via taping. It will direct other people not to accidentally flip this back.
Step 2: Testing The Circuit
It’s time to examine the outlet. Bring a circuit tester to test that power is actually off right now. This step is crucial-most while getting the GFCI outlet to have a green light but no power!
Step 3: Removing Cover Plate And Screws
Usually, the receptacle comes with a cover plate which is required to be removed. Along with that, the screws are joined to the outlet. Unscrew them and detach the wires from the outlet.
Step 4: Joining Different “LINE”
Now, you should consider re-stripping the power supply wires. And also reconnect it to the terminals labeled “LINE”. In the meantime, don’t forget to connect the white wire to the silver line screw.
Once it is done, the bare ground wiring needs to join to the green screw. This wiring also decides if a ground wire shocks you or not! Along with that, the black wire should be attached to the brass line screw.
Step 5: Replace Receptacle
Now, as soon as possible, substitute the receptacle! With this intention, screw this back into that box and join the cover plate also.
Step 6: Turn On the Power
In this situation, turn the power back on at the panel of the circuit breaker.
Step 7: Pin Clock Radio/Light
In the meantime, you need to pin a clock radio into the outlet. Or choosing the light to put here is also a good choice.
Step 8: Testing GFCI
It’s time to examine all about GFCI outlet simply by pressing the black button. This button situated in the outlet is also known as the ‘test’ button. When you find the radio gets shut off, then the outlet will be perfectly working.
Step 9: Resetting
Lastly, reset the GFCI by clicking the reset button. Do it until it gets pressed into place. In the meantime, the light or clock radio needs to come back too.
That’s how if the green light is on GFCI but no power, you know what to do. At the same time, the power on the outlet will be perfectly working.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Can I Replace Outlets Myself?
Definitely, you can install an outlet on your own. Changing the outlet won’t be quite difficult. But following certain steps are very crucial. Before everything, don’t forget to shut the power off to the circuit. However, hiring an expert won’t be expensive so following that way is more recommended.
How Can I Know If My GFCI Is Bad?
When you find the GFCI not resetting, it indicates its bad condition. Also, the button might not pop out while you press the test button. Meanwhile, there might exist dangerous electricity leaks while the reset button trips against each pressing. As a result, there might be no power to the GFCI.
Can A GFCI Be Wired Incorrectly?
Yes! After miswiring the GFCI, it can not control injury or death due to a ground defect. You can call it an electrical shock too. However, during the joining of the LINE wires to the LOAD terminals, the GFCI won’t reset. In the meantime, it won’t serve power to receptacles fed from the GFCI.
How Can I Have Power To My Outlet But Nothing Works While Plugging It In?
When an outlet overloads, then your circuit breaker might shut the power off. It also happens during short-circuit circumstances. Check the working status of the nearby outlets. If those are dead too, check the circuit breaker. While breakers trip, the lever might flip to the middle or off position.
Can A Dead Outlet Be A Fire Hazard?
In most cases, yes it is! A dead outlet isn’t just an annoyance but also comes with severe firing chances. In the meantime, you should hire a professional electrician to fix this issue. Relevantly, excessive heat might be generated in the dead outlet. And, the wiring insulation might start to melt.
How Much Cost Will I Require To Fix My Dead Outlet?
You might require at least $65 and extend up to $200 in some cases. Your outlet type and the location are the most important factor behind varying the repair costs. In the meantime, repair might take an hour including the testing of the receptacle. Fixing the loose joints is a big part here.
Final Words
Now, you know the reason behind the GFCI green light on but no power. Hopefully, you have found our article useful. The next time, you can solve this issue in a DIY process.
That’s all for today. Let us know your thoughts!
Best wishes!
Hey, I’m Steven Jones, the founder, and writer of this site. I have worked in Electrical for the past 5 years. I also know how to save energy and how to troubleshoot our electrical devices. I hope you enjoy my blog.
