GFCI Test Button Won’t Push In (Solved)

According to the national electrical code, it is required to use a GFCI outlet but there are various problems that a person can have while installing or testing the GFCI outlet. this article is based on one of the problems of the GFCI test button won’t push in. here we have explained the reasons of GFCI test button won’t push in and the solution how to fix it.

Key takeaways:

There are various reasons why the GFCI test button won’t push in such as:

  • Upstreamed GFCI outlet problem.
  • Corroded spring of the button.
  • Lack of power in the GFCI.
  • Loose connections.

Detailed information about the reasons and the solution how to fix is explained below.

GFCI Test Button Won’t Push In:

The main function of a GFCI outlet is to provide safety from electrical damage and to perform its function it contains serval switches and light sensors. They may arrive at some situations in which the test button of the GFCI outlet won’t push in its place. 

GFCI Test Button Won't Push In
GFCI Test Button Won’t Push In

The following are some different causes for it:

  • GFCI Outlet Upstreamed
  • No Power in the Outlet 
  • Corroded Spring inside the Outlet
  • Bad Electrical Connection 
  • Damaged GFCI Outlet 

GFCI Outlet Upstreamed:

This can be because of the other GFCI outlet as there is the possibility of wired upstreaming of the second GFCI outlet and if the second GFCI outlet gets damaged the work does to the other GFCI which makes the test button not to push in and you will also not be able to reset the GFCI outlet.

GFCI Test Button Won't Push In
GFCI Test Button Won’t Push In

No Power in the Outlet:

The other reason when GFCI outlet won’t push in is lack of the power in the outlet which makes the outlet useless. if there is no power in the outlet it is common that the button of the GFCI outlet will not work.

GFCI Test Button Won't Push In
GFCI Test Button Won’t Push In

Corroded Spring inside the Outlet:

The reason behind the GFCI button won’t push in the can is due to the improper spring mechanism. the button is designed in a way that the spring is fitted behind the button, made of metal and if the button is pushed the button is pushed back because of the spring energy. the metal spring can get corroded when the GFCI outlet is old due to which it becomes stiff and you will not be able to push in the test button.

GFCI Test Button Won't Push In
GFCI Test Button Won’t Push In

Bad Electrical Connection:

Having a bad electrical connection can be the reason the test button won’t push in because, for connection to the electrical system in the house, the wire is sued to complete the circuit, and if there is any problem with the wire the power supply will be interrupted. A bad electrical connection is considered when there are old and weak wires, wire touching the ground, damaged circuit, and in a wet area due which affects the GFCI outlet.

GFCI Test Button Won't Push In
GFCI Test Button Won’t Push In

Damaged GFCI Outlet:

The last option for not being able to push the test button is because of the damaged GFCI outlet as a GFCI outlet is installed they do have long-lasting life and performance but there is the possibility to can be damaged with the passage of time and it makes the test button won’t push in. the other reason behind GFCI outlet to get damage can be due to daisy chaining the outlet. Overloading the GFCI outlet also makes the outlet damaged.

GFCI Test Button Won't Push In
GFCI Test Button Won’t Push In

Below I have mentioned the various ways to solve the problem which help you to make the test button push in again.

Solution for GFCI test button won’t push in:

The following are some solutions to fix the problem but you need to follow the correct procedure and if you are having any doubts I will consult you to call an electrical professional:

  • Check Other GFCI Outlets
  • Push with More Force
  • Check for Bad Connections
  • Replace the GFCI Outlet

 Check Other GFCI Outlets:

You need to check the Upstream GFCI outlets and if you see a red light on the GFCI you have to reset the GFCI outlet. This can be done by simply pressing the reset button on the GFCI outlet and keep it pressing for some time and then releasing the button. After doing this you need to check the first GFCI test button if it works or not. 

Push with More Force:

The button won’t be pushed in because of the corrosion and it gets stuck which you can fix by applying force to it. you need to push the button harder but be careful the button won’t break.

GFCI Test Button Won't Push In
GFCI Test Button Won’t Push In

We talk about the making of the GFCI outlet it is made of plastic and it can be broken easily when an excess of force is applied to it. so while pushing the button you need to be careful to apply medium force and by doing this will help to solve the problem of the corrosion spring.

Check for Bad Connections:

To solve the problem of the test button won’t push in you need to check the connection of the GFCI outlet which is a quite challenging process to check the complete length of the cable. I will refer you to call a professional to check the connections if you dont have any idea about it. 

Replace the GFCI Outlet:

After trying all the above solutions but the GFCI is not working means that the GFCI is damaged and in this situation, there is a need to replace the GFCI. there are two methods to replace the GFCI either by doing itself or by calling the electrician.

GFCI Test Button Won't Push In
GFCI Test Button Won’t Push In

After replacing the outlet you are able to push the test button.

Conclusion:

The above-mentioned reason and solutions will help you with the problem of the GFCI test button won’t push in. you need to follow step by step and in case of any doubt or problem immediately take advice from an electrician.

 

Rick Costa

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