Light Fixture Trips Off a GFI
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Should lights be wired onto a GFI protected circuit? © By: Dave Rongey |
Cause of Light Tripping a GFI
[ad#block]Question: I recently installed a recessed can light, receiving my hot and neutral from the load side of a GFI. I have 110 volts current to the light fixture, but the GFI trips when the switch is tuned on. Should I locate a circuit that is not on GFI to operate this light fixture. Thanks Dave .
This electrical question came from: Chris, from Mc Henry, Illinois
See more about Home Wiring for Illinois
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Chris
Light Fixture Circuit Wiring
Chris, typically light fixtures are not required to be on a GFI circuit unless the light fixture is located directly above a shower or bath tub area for example. If a light fixture is added to a GFI circuit it should not cause the GFI to trip off, so it would be best to check the wiring connections and make sure that the wiring that is located in the junction box of the recessed can light have not been damaged. With some brands of recessed can lights it is very easy to have a wire get stuck between the cover plate and the junction box enclosure which can cause a pinched wire that will create a direct short, which can in turn cause the GFI to trip off.
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