Problem with GFCI Outlet not resetting?

Question

Took the outlet out, disconnected all but the neutral wires and it would reset, so it's obviously a short somewhere down the line. Tested each live wire individually and isolated the problem wire. The issue is that I cannot figure out, for the life of me, where this wire leads! Everything that I can think of being attached to this outlet works as usual. In the meantime, I would like to put the outlet back without this wire attached. Can I tape that wire up with electrical tape?

Answer 1

i guess you are talking about a trailing wire that is a ''run off'' from the LOAD s***w. Well leave it off but cap it.

Sooner or later you will find something that doesn't work and that will be where that wire goes.

Answer 2

Answer to the second question, will the outside outlet dry out?  Eventually, but take the plate off to let it dry faster (leaving it disconnected), then check the gasketing and other sealing parts - the rubber may be hard and cracked, allowing Fay to drool inside.  If so, get a new cover plate with fresh rubber, make sure it is installed firmly with no gaps for the water.

I'd prefer to pull the outlet out and check for corrosion, and really, for 50 cents you can just pop a new one in there.

Answer 3

That should be OK. double the wire back on itself in a loop and then tape it. After that you should locate the dead circuit, it is probably an outside outlet with water in it.