Ok so this is the problem: Every year we put up christmas lights outside and plug them into a GFCI, which trips every time it rains or snows, and the lights do not work. Every year we tape all connections and make sure all boxes are covered, plastic covers...Why does this keep happening?? Also suppose I was to plug the lights into the front room of my house, with no GFCI, how great is the risk of getting electricuted? In other house we have done with out one and nobody has ever gotten electricuted...
Other INFO: GFCI replace august 07 by electrician 15 amp circuit, and we have about 12 amps of lights...
2007-11-29 02:15:00 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
Check again all your connections. Don't wrap them up in plastic, tape them. When covering boxes and the like, allow them to breathe or condesation will be the problem. Contrary to popular belief, a GFCI is not an overcurrent device. However you are right at 80% load on your circuit. 15A X .8= 12A. Probably not a good idea to bypass the GFI, There's a reason it was installed on the outside of your home. Go to the hardware store and buy a GFI tester, about $12, if the GFI is shot get another one installed.
2007-11-29 03:14:31 · answer #1 · answered by gr8alarmguy 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Well, if it keeps tripping then there is an overload or short problem. If it only happens when it rains then it is a grounding problem. I would make a better attempt at insulating the connections from the weather. it seems to be the only real problem. In terms of the danger posed by bypassing the GFCI...I would say that any risk involving your home/family and electricity/fire is too great.
2007-11-29 02:22:34 · answer #2 · answered by Sean 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
You are getting a tiny amount of current leaking to ground. Waterproof your splices as best you can, as stated above, and also check your light strands to see if there is a knick or frayed spot in the insulation. If your strands are on a grounded surface, then the combination of moisture and exposed copper is sure to trip a GFCI...
2007-11-29 08:35:01 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Replace the unit, they aren't that highly-priced, black twine is the road or sizzling lead in AC wiring, white is the impartial, normally known as a traditional seeing that it can be shared through 2 one of a kind a lot on reverse legs of a one hundred twenty/240 volt circuit. Be cautious of solutions that do not look to make feel to you. If you don't have an understanding of what you're doing from the solutions you've gotten obtained, name a certified reliable electrician.
2016-09-05 16:35:07 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋