GFCI Outlets in 2 Bathrooms Not Working

Bob asks,

A GFCI outlet quit working. I replaced it but got wiring wrong. This killed the outlet and the GFCI outlet in a 2nd bathroom, (apparently wired together). I guess I should leave breaker off until I wire both new outlets.
Can I replace these 2 outlets or do I need an electrician?

Our Answer

This all sounds a bit strange. First, GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupters), are, for those that dont know, designed to protect you from a shock and required in bathrooms, kitchens, outside and garages. In most cases, only one GFCI is installed per circuit. GFCI’s can either be found as a circuit breaker or outlet. They are most easily distinguished because they have a test and reset button on them.

So, for example, having one GFCI outlet that protected the outlet in multiple bathrooms would be normal. You describe not only multiple GFCI’s but say one is in a bedroom which is truly odd.

In the 20 years I spent as a professional home inspector I saw many scenarios when subsequent homeowners had installed electrical wiring, GFCI’s included, badly and this is starting to sound like one of those scenarios.

Bottom line is yes, I do think this should be addressed by a pro and to be safe, you should leave the power off in this circuit until that can happen.