All the merry complications of Christmas lights
If you’ve ever hung Christmas lights, you’ve probably experienced your outdoor circuit tripping and turning the lights off. GFCI outlets protect you from getting shocked and your house from catching fire, good things! However, it’s no fun when they make your Christmas lights turn off. When Christmas lights trip GFCI, there could be several potential reasons. In this article, we’ll help you diagnose and prevent that issue so you can keep your lights running all season long.
What is a GFCI?
GFCI stands for ground fault circuit interrupter. It’s a special type of outlet that protects your electrical system from current imbalances. It purposely breaks the circuit if it senses imbalances. They are good to have installed at any outlet that has the potential to encounter water and for all single-phase outlets of 125 volts.
GFCIs increase electrical safety in the home by preventing electrocutions, averting electrical fires, and avoiding damage to appliances. The United States National Electric Code (NEC) lays out requirements for all homes to have GFCIs.
Why Christmas lights trip GFCIs when it rains
It’s a huge bummer when your lights go out during the rain. Why do Christmas lights trip the GFCI when it rains? Well, the answer might be in the question. Here are three common reasons why your Christmas lights trip GFCI.
Moisture
Outdoor outlets are required to have GFCI technology because they are subject to water exposure and other elements that could pose danger. If your GFCI is tripping when it rains, you should know that this means it is doing its job. It shuts off to protect you and your family from possible shocks that can occur when running electricity hits water. If this happens during rain, moisture is likely the culprit.
Faulty Christmas lights
If your Christmas lights are worn out and old, they could be the issue behind your GFCI tripping. Old light strings might have cracked or exposed wiring and missing bulb covers that cause voltage leaks and trigger your GFCI. If the GFCI trips frequently, regardless of the weather, check your light strings for any possible offenders.
Faulty GFCI outlet cover
The last main diagnostic you can run on your system is checking the GFCI. The problem with your GFCI tripping might stem from an issue with your receptacle cover. These outdoor covers are required to protect your outlet from the elements. Go outside and check the outlets that house your Christmas lights to see if that could be the issue.
What to do when Christmas lights trip your GFCI outlet
When your lights trip, check for possible causes including moisture, a faulty GFCI outlet cover, or a faulty light string. If all seems normal there, check to see if it’s an issue coming from another place in or outside of your house. If you can’t seem to nail down the problem, you might want to call a professional electrician. Remember to practice electrical safety, don’t put your hands anywhere that puts you at any risk of electrocution, and don’t leave wires exposed.
You’ll want to reset your GFCI so that it can start working again. First, unplug everything from the outlet. The outlet should have two buttons between the outlets, one that says “TEST” and one that says “RESET.” Simply press and hold the “RESET” button until you hear a click sound. Your GFCI should then be reset and ready to go again.
How to avoid GFCI tripping
There are several things you can do to prevent this issue from coming up at your home. Follow these guidelines to have a GFCI trip-free holiday season.
- Check light strings before you hang them. Look for any worn-out, exposed, or cracked wires. See if any bulbs are missing, causing exposed wiring.
- Make sure your GFCI is in an area protected from the weather like under a roof overhang.
- Make sure your outlet covers are in good working condition.
- Avoid installing lights using metal tools, staples, or nails.
- Make sure your Christmas lights are outdoor-rated.
- Use a timer for your lights. The longer they are on, the more likely they will trip.
- Adjust your sprinklers so that they are pointing away from GFCI outlets and lights.
- Pick the right light set. Higher quality lights have less likelihood to cause a trip. Go for strings that have bulbs permanently connected, not two-piece strings. Also, look for weep holes in light bulbs. These are great for releasing excess moisture and avoiding trips.
Why you should ask for professional help with your Christmas lights
Hanging Christmas lights can be fun and simple, but it can also come with complicated logistical and electrical issues that you didn’t anticipate. Sometimes it’s best to leave it up to the professionals. At Blitzen Lighting, we’ve seen it all. We can help diagnose any issues beforehand to try to prevent your Christmas lights from tripping. Furthermore, we will set up a magical custom lights display at your home.
The bottom line
There’s nothing more magical than Christmas lights in the rain. If your Christmas lights trip GFCI, it’s likely due to an issue with moisture, the outlet, or the lights themselves. Take a look at your GFCI and Christmas lights to make sure you aren’t subject to any of these issues. Skip the hassle and hit up Blitzen Lighting for your Christmas light installation needs. You’ll have your gorgeous Christmas light display up and running for all to enjoy all holiday season.