How do I reset my GFCI outlet without a reset button?

Question

I have a similar question, but I think when we had the basement finished, it was either rewired. Now I'm getting shorts in all electric in that area of the house. HELP...

Answer 1

I'm assuming that you have receptacles that are GFCI protected but there is not a reset button on all of them.GFCI circuit can start at the service panel with a breaker or just the first receptacle needs to be a GFCI. Look for one or the other. Good Luck

Answer 2

Typically, the outside outlets are run on the same circuit... perhaps two circuits in your case, with front and back, but it wouldnt surpise me to hear its only one.

There are two ways to achieve a GFCI protected circuit.  That is to use at least one GFCI outlet (and run all the others on the same circuit from the appropriate terminals on that outlet), or to use a GFCI circuit breaker.  You've not specified which type you've got.

If you have a GFCI circuit breaker, then you'll need to reset the breaker.

If you have GFCI outlets, then you'll need to reset the button there.  

I prefer to use ALL GFCI outlets when running outside outlets myself, and I run seperate circuits for different sides of the home, thus, I dont lose ALL the outside power, when just ONE unit trips.

Now... BEFORE you reset anything... you need to ask yourself ... WHY did it trip?

All outside outlets should be placed in weather proof housings.  There is a possibility youve got a leak at one or more of these outlet boxes/plates.

Some TOOLS will throw a GFCI breaker... circular saws for example, are notorious for tripping GFCI's.

Something you have plugged into a GFCI may have a short.

Trying to run more than one item may also cause them to trip....too much load for the amp rating.

The first thing I would do, is turn off the circuit(s) at the circuit box.  Then unplug everything from any outside outlets.  Follow this up with a careful inspection of the outlets, looking for shorts, arcs, or weather incursions.  Repair whatever defects you find.

If the circuit is tripping when you are using a saw... you might try plugging the saw into a surge surpressor.  That's worked for me in the past, on work sites.

Good Luck

Answer 3

Good idea to read, and re-read the question before hitting that button, y'know.

Question is not clear at all.

There is at least ONE GCFI outlet with a reset button.