Symptoms
- Multiple outlets along the counter stopped working at once
- Small appliances plugged into the counter have no power
- Outlets elsewhere in the kitchen may still work
Likely causes
- CommonA tripped GFCI outlet feeding the othersOne GFCI often protects several downstream counter outlets, sometimes including ones under the sink or near the fridge.
- CommonA tripped breaker for the kitchen counter circuitKitchen small-appliance circuits are common trip points due to toasters, kettles, and mixers.
- PossibleAn overloaded circuit from multiple appliancesKitchens often run several devices at once during meal prep.
- PossibleA failed GFCI deviceAn aging GFCI can fail outright and stop passing power to downstream outlets.
What to do
- Look for GFCI outlets in the kitchen, including near the sink, and press reset on each.
- Check the breaker panel for a tripped kitchen or small-appliance circuit breaker.
- Unplug some appliances if several were running at once, then reset the GFCI or breaker.
- Test each counter outlet individually with a lamp or phone charger.
- If resetting the GFCI does nothing, it may need replacing.
- Note which outlets are on the same circuit for next time, to avoid overloading them together.
- Call an electrician if outlets stay dead after resetting both GFCI and breaker.
Tools and parts
- Non-contact voltage tester
Replacement GFCI outletSearch: “20 amp kitchen GFCI outlet”
When to call a pro
Call an electrician if kitchen counter outlets stay dead after resetting GFCIs and breakers, or if this happens frequently.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.