With no load connected, the leakage is in the wiring it feeds or the device — not an appliance.
Stop and call a licensed electrician or emergency services now if there's smoke, sparks, a burning smell, heat, shock, or water near the problem. Otherwise it's safe to answer the questions below.
The likely readout
Most likely cause (low signal — answer more to sharpen)
A downstream wiring fault (damaged/pinched cable or a neutral-to-ground contact)
Ranked by fit to your answers
1
A downstream wiring fault (damaged/pinched cable or a neutral-to-ground contact)
40
2
The GFCI device itself has failed (will not reset with power confirmed and no load)
35
SAFE NEXT CHECKPlug in a tester to read polarity/ground; if a fault shows, the wiring it feeds needs inspection with the power off.
Where to stop. Resetting and plug-in testing are homeowner-safe. Opening the box, checking terminals, or rewiring line/load means live conductors — if you cannot do that safely with the power off at the breaker, stop and call a licensed electrician. Water plus electricity is a shock hazard; do not keep resetting a wet outlet. This is general information, not a quote and not a substitute for a licensed electrician.
Try the safe next check above. If it doesn't resolve it, or would mean working on wiring or a panel, stop and call a licensed electrician — don't replace parts on a guess. Open the full tool to change any answer for your exact situation, or try a related check below.
source-governed · verified 2026-06-20
Sources
code NEC 210.8 — GFCI protection requirements · verified 2026-06-20
standard UL 943 — Standard for Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters · verified 2026-06-20
Electrical Fault Check provides general diagnostic information only. It is not professional advice, not a quote, and not a substitute for a licensed electrician. Do not work on live wiring. If you see smoke, sparks, burning smell, heat, shock, water exposure, or repeated tripping, stop using the circuit and contact a licensed electrician or emergency services as appropriate.