Why Do GFCI Outlets Have A Blinking Red Light? (Find Out Now!)

Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) have been around for decades, and these days it’s near impossible to find a modern home which doesn’t utilize these devices; they’re even used in a lot of older homes now because they’re useful here as well.

They come in different shapes and sizes, and over the years they have improved in several ways. Nowadays they are quite popular, and that’s because the majority of homeowners now recognize how beneficial these devices are. Moreover, the newer models are easier to understand.

New GFCIs include lights, and these indicate the status of an outlet; in other words, the lights tell when an outlet is working properly and when it isn’t. Sometimes, a red light will shine, and what this means—as well as what to do when this happens—will be subjects this article addresses. Some other important information about GFCIs will also be included here.

When a GFCI is blinking red, this in most cases means that the device has been tripped. If a GFCI has a solid red light, then this could mean there’s a problem with the device, the main circuit, or the connecting wires. You may also see a red light briefly when you turn the device on, and the same can be said for when you run the device’s test feature.

GFCIs are safety devices that are required by the National Electric Code. They essentially protect humans against electric shocks, and you know a GFCI is present if you see ‘test’ and ‘reset’ buttons on the face of the outlet.

Unlike regular outlets and circuit breakers—which are designed to protect the building’s larger electrical system and not necessarily individuals who are using the system—the number-one purpose of a GFCI is to protect human beings.

GFCIs are quite useful, as they not only prevent serious electric shocks but also reduce the risk of an electric fire sparking. A GFCI is able to provide this protection because it monitors the electrical current which flows to it. If a problem is detected, the system will cut power to ensure a rogue current doesn’t exit the outlet and strike an unsuspecting individual.

These are much more responsive than circuit breakers and fuses, and they act a lot quicker as well. They are designed to respond to electricity before it can affect your heartbeat, which means that we’re talking about as little as a 13th of a second. This device will even work when it’s not grounded!

GFCIs have been around since the 1970s, but the ones manufactured after 2015 specifically have self-monitoring systems which make them a lot more beneficial. This system can be thought of as a self-regulating device, and every once in a while it will test the outlet to make sure it is working as it’s supposed to.

For a GFCI that utilizes this system, you’re going to find the device in one of three states: green, red, or no light present. Each state is briefly described below:

When you turn the device on or reset it, there may be a brief moment when it flashes red. If the light goes green immediately after, then this indicates that the device is working properly and you don’t have to pay any mind to the little red flash that happened at first.

If you think your GFCI is worn out, get in touch with a professional electrician, as they will be able to test your system and see whether or not replacement is necessary. Just make sure, before you call out an electrician, that your device is at least several years old or noticeably malfunctioning, as you don’t want to call out an electrician for replacement when such isn’t necessary.

Ground fault is the name that’s given to electricity when it doesn’t follow a predetermined path. Electricity naturally finds the quickest way to the ground, and in the case of a ground fault, it’s usually that the electricity has found a new, unplanned-for way to reach the earth.

When this happens, the electricity can be absorbed by a variety of things, including humans and animals. A ground fault shock may only be minor, but one could also be as severe as to cause electrocution. It’s for this reason that GFCIs were created.

These devices also protect electric circuits from overheating, and this is especially important when a system is malfunctioning. With a GFCI working as it should, you don’t have to worry about a circuit overheating, and you also don’t have to worry about getting electrocuted out of nowhere.

GFCIs have been around for more than five decades now, and yet individuals these days still have lots of questions about these devices. They are getting more advanced with the passing of time, so it makes sense that new questions pop up with each advancement. Some GFCI frequently asked questions are answered below.

If the GFCI doesn’t reset, then you should press the ‘test’ button and then the ‘reset’ button. If nothing happens, you should then attempt to dry the GFCI with a hairdryer. But be careful when doing this, as you don’t want to make the outlet too hot.

This is done because the GFCI may have been exposed to water or moisture. If nothing comes of this, check the main breaker or fuse for that circuit and see if there’s something wrong there.

If you see ‘test’ and ‘reset’ buttons on an outlet, then you know you’re dealing with a GFCI. These buttons are there in part to ensure the system is working properly. Don’t press these buttons unless you really have to, as frequent pressing could speed up wear and tear.

In the end, a variety of things can cause a GFCI to blink red or display a solid red light. And when either happens, it’s best to consult the manufacturer’s manual, as this will give the clearest and most device-specific way to diagnose the problem.

Of course, you could always get a professional electrician to do this for you, and this is also the safest method. An electrician will know what’s causing the light and they’ll know quickly whether or not replacement is warranted.