Dumb rain trips the GFCIs on Christmas lights

[djc311]

First I'll preface this with a few disclaimers. I'm obviously not an electrician. I have a fair amount of common sense and I obviously don't know the easy fix to this issue...

We live in a new house and feel very fortunate to be able to do so. This means they had to meet the latest building codes, which makes sense for several reasons. However, it's extremely frustrating that if a micro-drop of moisture touches one of my Christmas light strings in the wrong way that it trips the porch GFCI. The outlet on the porch is covered like it should be. The issue has to lie somewhere in the yard as we have quite a few yard displays for the holiday.

I've capped off any open receptacles with an outlet filler (basically baby plugs). I do this on all light string ends or extra outlets in an extension cord. I've also tried to troubleshoot the issue by gradually plugging in one item at a time to see which one is the culprit. I've reached a point where they'll stay on for about 30 seconds and then it trips. I'm over it now - too many lights to mess with and it's still raining.

Totally understand the safety reasons behind it - but I also remember when I was 10 (30+ years ago) my parent's house didn't have a GFCI at the outlet on porch or at the breaker panel. My house now has both (however it's tripping at the outlet, not even making it to the breaker box). Our house never burned down... I didn't die walking in the front yard if it was wet and we had Christmas lights plugged in and turned on.

At this point I'm super frustrated and have a house full of girls (wife and kids) not happy our yard is dark. Over it!

[nebugeater]

I will ask the first question that would be one of the first things I would look at. Are you 100 % sure that the lights you are using are outdoor rated?

I will also add, as an Industrial Maint Manager, but not a licensed Elect, be glad the GFI is doing what it is intended to do.

THere is a small chance that you GFIC is bad.

If you are plugged into a single GFIC outlet and have a good extenion cord try and run the power from an inside GFIC outlet. Should be on in your kitchen, Bathroom, laundry etc. This will help to figure out if it is a problem with th elights becuase anoher GFIC tripped or if it is possable your GFIC itself because all your light work from another protected outlet.

[nebugeater]

Also if you are so inclined get one of these. It can help with a lot of troubshooting. Do not cheep out and get the $7 one that will likly not give you the info you need in requard sto GFIC.

This Klien brand is a quality brand and it will run around $20 Home Depot and Lowes will have this or one just about like it. Menards will not ahve this brand