Lights and Rain - HELP!

[thericky]

For the last two years, I've struggled with keeping my exterior Christmas lights on as the GFI'ed circuit keeps tripping when it rains. I live in Orlando, so rain is a regular occurrence, even in December.

How can I prevent this from happening? I'm guessing it has something to do with the plugs and not so much the actual lights or wires. How can I waterproof my lights so that they actually stay on?

[Sickie Ickie]

some people dip the connection in latex.

[gingerbreadhouse]

I tape the connections up with electrical tape. Then i go over that with duck tape. Finaly I go over that with more eclectrical tape. It works for me, and it might work for you.

[thericky]

I think I like the tape idea better than the latex. ;)

[Sickie Ickie]

Different strokes for different folks. :)

[gingerbreadhouse]

Be sure to get tape that matches the light wires.;)

[Blinky]

what if you were to cut the end out of a small plastic bag and slide them into the bag then plug it in and duck tape all over the bag enclosing the plugs?

[Thecandyman]

what if you were to cut the end out of a small plastic bag and slide them into the bag then plug it in and duck tape all over the bag enclosing the plugs?

That's what I did Blinky.

A news paper bag:)

[Sickie Ickie]

Be aware condensation can form in it.

[Xmaslilly]

I usually do the plastic baggy thing also never had a problem with it

[Sickie Ickie]

Don't be silly. You can't fit into a plastic bag! :p

[Xmaslilly]

Sickie should have known you have some thing smart to say. LOL
but oh contrare> I did make a halloween costume out of a black plastic bag once .wish i had the pic. at least half of me fit hahah

[Sickie Ickie]

The nice thing about it was that after you were finished impressing others withit, it became it's own trash bag. :p

[lacey38655]

I have built a wooden box for my extension cords and surge protectors.. square box with holes in each end... We also get a lot of heavy rainy days here in MS.

[Ryan_Johnson]

Many different ways to keep your GFCIs from tripping. I too, have had issues with this as well. Biggest thing to remember is this: GFCI trips happen when electricty "goes to ground" and water is one of the best conduits for this to happen. So if an electrical connection is on the ground, and any type of water pools under it (even just wet ground/grass) can and will cause the electricity to "leak" out of the connection and "go to ground". Then the GFCI trips. A few ways to fix this:

1. Get the wire connections off the ground. Use a stake or anything that will keep it elevated. I have lights in the grass called Lawn Lights and they look great, but many people have fits with keeping them from tripping GFCIs. But they come with these small metal stakes that if people would use correctly, would hold the light about 5" from the ground. This same theory works for any connection.

2. You can replace your GFCIs with standard plugs, although I certainly don't recommend that. GFCIs are there to protect you and others. BUt if you live in Houston and come by my display all could say is "Do as I say, not as I do". ; )

3. You can wrap the connections, in latex, plastic wrap, baggies, etc. but as others have mentioned, you can (and will) get condensation inside the connection, and that's no good either.

4. The very best thing is to make small PVC tubes, with caps, and stow your connections inside of these. Simply use 1" PVC and two caps for each tube. Drill a hole, run the wires into the tube, and put the caps in place. Done! You can also paint these whatever color works for you.

But keeping 'em out of the water and off the ground, by whatever means you choose, is the key.

Ryan

[Just Whisper]

I ALWAYS had the same problem, my lights would sometimes be out for days if it rained hard enough. Last year I finally found a pretty good solution. My GFI never popped even once. I bought plastic storage containers that have lids with hinges, about 6" square, and about 3" deep. I heated the end of a large screwdriver with a blowtorch and melted a small hold just on the lip, in 3-4 places around the rim. My boxes are just the right size to hold one of those green 3 plug extension cords with 3 plugs plugged into it. When the lid is closed the cords fit through the holes perfectly (it is important to be careful when making holes to keep them accurate). Because my yard frequently floods these worked great at not only keeping the rain out but due to the height of the box also kept out flood water. I think I got my boxes at the Dollar Tree, but they sell them all over.