Outside Lights Stopped Working after a Rain Storm
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Patty in California asks: Power runs from the house to an exterior driveway gate where we have two photocell lights on top of rock columns. After heavy rains our outside lights stopped working and a GFCI outlet tripped off. |
Problem with Lights and a GFCI Outlet
[ad#block] Electrical Question: After heavy rains our outside lights stopped working and a GFCI outlet tripped off.
I am a housewife and know nothing about electrical so I hope this makes sense. Power runs from the house to an exterior driveway gate where we have two photocell lights on top of rock columns. During recent heavy rains, both lights quit working. The GFCI outlet located near the bottom of one of the rock columns was tripped and couldn’t be reset so my husband replaced it. We know there is power to the location, however after he installed the new GFCI it has no power and the buttons can’t be reset. He said everything is dry, no water, etc.
This electrical wiring question came from Patty, a Homeowner in Arcata, California.
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Patty.
How to Fix a Problem with a GFCI Outlet
Application: Electrical Problem a GFCI Outlet.
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced – Best performed by a Licensed Electrical Contractor, or Certified Electrician.
Electrical Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools, Voltage Tester, and appropriate Safety Gear.
Estimated Time: Depends on the personal level experience, ability to work with tools, install electrical circuit wiring, and the available access to the project area.
Electrical Safety: Identify the electrical power source to the GFCI Outlet, turn it OFF and Tag with a Note before working with the electrical wiring.
Electrical Wiring Parts and Materials: Electrical parts and materials for the GFCI Outlet should be approved for the specific project and compliant with local and national electrical codes.
Electrical Codes and Inspections: Installing or changing home electrical wiring should be done according to local and national electrical codes as adopted in Arcata, California. A permit and inspections may also be required.
See more about Home Wiring for California
Electrical Problem a GFCI Outlet and Driveway Lights
This electrical wiring project is about Electrical Problem a GFCI Outlet in the Driveway of a Old Home.
GFCI Outlet Electrical Problem
- The light fixtures should be checked to see if the wiring and fixture components have become wet, which may cause the GFCI outlet to trip off.
- The circuit breaker that provides power to the GFCI outlet should be checked to see if it is tripped off, if it is off then reset the breaker and turn it back on, and then reset the GFCI outlet.
More about GFCI Outlets
Wiring Electrical Outlets for the Home
Home electrical wiring includes 110 volt outlets and 220 volt outlets and receptacles which are common place in every home. See how wiring electrical outlets for the home are done.
GFCI and GFI Wiring Diagrams
The features and benefits of GFCI outlets and receptacles will give you a clear understanding of the importance why these safety devices are required by code to help protect you and your family against accidental electrical shock hazards.
GFCI Wiring
This list of articles will help you learn about the features and benefits provided by GFI and GFCI Receptacles and how they are wired.
Electrical Safety
Troubleshooting Electrical Problems
Home Electrical Troubleshooting and Repairs
Licensed Electrician Reveals the Secrets of Successful Electrical Troubleshooting Methods used to solve the majority of the home electrical problems and wiring failures.
Electrical Testers
Using Testers to Help Locate Electrical Problems
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Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.
The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!The Non-Contact Electrical TesterThis is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use.
The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring!The Plug-In Outlet TesterThis is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring. It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect Very handy and easy to use.
Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire!The Wire Stripper and Wire CutterMy absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires. This handy tool has multiple uses: The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation. The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets.. The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use. |
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