Our estimate of average life expectancy for GFCI receptacles is 15 to 25 years, with an average of 20 years, although some fail as early as 5 years. Exterior receptacles tend to have a shorter life due to weather exposure, especially if the “in-use” clear plastic cover is missing. GFCI circuit breakers usually last longer, with an average of 35 years.

    Here’s a graph comparing the life expectancy of GFCI receptacles to other electrical components in a home.
    The good news is that GFCI receptacles manufactured in the last ten years fail “open” (power disconnected). The previous design failed “closed” (power still connected). So, if your newer GFCI receptacle is dead and will not reset, it is because the device has failed. Leviton even offers a “SmartLock Pro” Self-Test GFCI receptacle that tests itself regularly. Also, all newer GFCI receptacles now will not power up if wired incorrectly.

    See our blog post Where are GFCI receptacle outlets required? for the code-mandated locations, and What electrical hazards does a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) NOT protect against? for what they don’t do.

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Field Guide for Home Inspectors, a quick reference for finding the age of 154 brands of HVAC systems, water heaters, and electrical panels, plus 210 code standards for site-built and manufactured homes, and the life expectancy rating of 195 home components. Available at amazon.com for $19.95.
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Here’s links to a collection of our other blog posts about AFCI and GFCI RECEPTACLES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS:

• Does a septic pump or sump pump require a GFCI-receptacle?

• What is the difference between what trips a GFCI (ground fault) receptacle and a circuit breaker?

• Are Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) really necessary and worth the trouble? 

• What is the code requirement for GFCI protection for receptacles near a wet bar sink?

• When was GFCI-protection for kitchen dishwasher receptacle outlet first required? 

• When did arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) breakers first become required?

• Does a washing machine receptacle outlet require GFCI protection?

• My spa tub stopped working. What's wrong?  

• How do I identify a combination AFCI (CAFCI) circuit breaker? 

• What does "listed and labeled" mean for an electrical component? 

• What is the difference between GFCI and AFCI circuit breakers?

• When were GFCI receptacle outlets first required?

•  • What is the difference between the electric service to a mobile home and a site built home? 

• Why is there a wall switch next to the furnace or indoor unit of the air conditioner in the garage?

• What does it mean when a wire is "overstripped" at a circuit breaker?

• Why is there a GFCI breaker in the electric panel for the bathroom shower light and exhaust fan?

• What is the switch on the wall with two pushbuttons? 

• How far apart should kitchen counter receptacles be spaced?  

• How far above a kitchen countertop do electrical outlets have to be? 

• How is it possible to provide both GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) and CAFCI (Combination Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter) protection for kitchen and laundry circuits?

• My bathroom electric receptacle/outlet is dead and there are no tripped breakers in the electric panel. What's wrong?  

• My GFCI reset button is hard to push and won't reset. What's wrong?

• Why do some breakers in my electric panel have a "TEST" button on them?

    Visit our AFCI AND GFCI page for other related blog posts on this subject, or go to the INDEX for a complete listing of all our articles.