Buy links on this page go through our /go/ redirects to the manufacturer or retailer. We earn nothing from them today; that may change. Disclosure.
In short
A GFCI trips when it senses current going somewhere it shouldn't. Leviton lists the usual reasons: water exposure, damaged wiring, cords or appliances, overloaded circuits, and normal wear on the outlet. Newer appliances can also cause nuisance trips.
If Leviton's steps say replace it (Leviton models):
Leviton GFTR1-W tamper-resistant GFCILeviton GFNT1-W slim GFCICommon causes (Leviton)
| Cause | What to look at |
|---|---|
| Moisture | Water exposure, for example at kitchen, bathroom, garage or outdoor outlets |
| Faulty appliance or cord | Anything plugged in when it tripped, including extension cords and devices on downstream outlets |
| Damaged wiring | Frayed wires, cracked casings or signs of overheating |
| Overloaded circuit | Too many devices on that circuit |
| Wear | Normal wear and tear on the outlet itself |
How to narrow it down
- Think about what was happening. Leviton says this is often the key: were you using a specific appliance, plugging something in or turning something on?
- Unplug everything from the GFCI and the outlets downstream, then reset it.
- Watch for one device. Leviton says if a particular device seems to trigger the trip, unplug it right away, since it may be faulty or unsafe to use.
- Inspect the outlet. Leviton says a GFCI that's discolored, loose, burn-marked, warm or damaged should be replaced right away.
- Keeps tripping with nothing plugged in? Leviton says persistent trips call for a licensed electrician.
Newer appliances and nuisance trips
Leviton says some modern inverter-driven appliances can leak high-frequency current that makes some GFCIs trip when there's no real hazard. It says UL has an optional high-frequency rating, and that all its SmartlockPro GFCIs are designed to work with these appliances.
Wiring is a job for the breaker off. Turn off power at the panel before touching any wiring. Leviton's guides point to a licensed electrician for wiring you aren't comfortable correcting, and for trips that keep happening.
How we work: causes and checks come from Leviton's homeowner guides on tripping and nuisance tripping. We don't test electrical devices ourselves. Sources are listed below.
Questions people ask
Why does my GFCI keep tripping?
Leviton lists water exposure, damaged cords or appliances, overloaded circuits, and normal wear on the outlet.
Can new appliances trip a GFCI?
Leviton says some inverter-driven appliances leak high-frequency current that can cause nuisance trips, and its SmartlockPro GFCIs are designed to work with them.
When should I call an electrician?
Leviton says persistent trips call for a licensed electrician.
Sources
Last checked Oct 23, 2026. Details come from Leviton's GFCI guides, LED diagnosis sheet and product pages. Turn off the breaker before touching wiring, and call a licensed electrician if unsure.
