Answer: Yes
Explanation: A GFCI outlet will eventually wear out, even though it’s designed for safety and durability. Like any protective electrical device, its internal sensing components can weaken over time, especially in areas with moisture, heavy use, or frequent tripping.
Why GFCIs wear out:
Internal electronics degrade: The sensor that detects ground faults can lose accuracy with age.
Frequent tripping shortens lifespan: High-moisture areas (bathrooms, kitchens, outdoors) stress the device more.
Environmental exposure matters: Heat, humidity, and dust can reduce reliability.
Manufacturers recommend periodic testing: Monthly or quarterly testing helps catch failures early.
Typical lifespan:
Most GFCI outlets last 10–15 years, but some fail sooner—especially in garages, outdoors, or near water sources.
How to tell if a GFCI is failing
Won’t reset
Trips without load
Test button does nothing
Feels warm or loose
Summary
Yes, GFCI outlets do wear out. Regular testing and timely replacement ensure they continue protecting against electrical shock. |
| EcoWise Electric LLC |
Answer: Yes
Explanation: Like all things, it has a lifespan. |
| G & H Electrical Services, LLC |
Answer: Yes
Explanation: Yes, I've s'gnarmy, wear out between 10 to 15 years. This one of the most common things that causes service calls in a home |
| Alltypes electric llc |
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| ProMatcher |
Answer: Yes
Explanation: GFCI outlets are only designed to "trip" so many times. Once that amount of cycles has been achieved the effectiveness of the outlet substantially decreases and thus needs to be replaced. |
| Electrical Services Plus LLC |
Answer: Yes
Explanation: Officially, you are supposed to replace them every year even if they don't wear out. Like everything else, it will eventually wear out. Usually it stops providing power, but sometimes it still provides power without protection, leading to a false sense of security. |
| Aegis Electric LLC |
Answer: Yes
Explanation: depends on load for how fast |
| Electrical Services Inc. |
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| ProMatcher |
Answer: Yes
Explanation: They are designed to do just that and replace them as you would any appliance |
| D B Electric |
Answer: Yes
Explanation: Life expectancy is about 15 - 25 years |
| My Electrician |
Answer: Yes
Explanation: Most GFCI manufacturers specs require a GFCI to be replaced after 25 trips or so many years. Please read the specs on the device when you install it. |
| Seabreeze Electric |
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| ProMatcher |
Answer: Yes
Explanation: It will eventually not trip. Then just replace |
| Kristoff Electric |
Answer: Yes
Explanation: Depending on brand |
| Advanced Electrical and Energy |
Answer: Yes
Explanation: They do go bad, if they will not test trip or reset they need to be replaced |
| Jove Electric |
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| ProMatcher |
Answer: Yes
Explanation: like any other outlets , it can wear out. |
| Advanced automation inc |
Answer: Yes
Explanation: Some last years , others last months, and they cost $15-$20 each |
| DiBiagio Electrical Construction llc |
Answer: Yes
Explanation: depends on use |
| GREEN ELECTRIC |