Holiday Lights and GFCIs

Most people put up holiday lights at a time when there’s a lot of moisture in the air.

With the festive period fast approaching, holiday lights in the house and backyard become a decorative necessity. However, moisture can trip GFCI outlets and plunge everything into darkness.

Here is how to get the GFCIs in holiday lights to work and prevent them from tripping.

Understanding GFCIs

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) are safety devices that protect the circuit from damage that results from excess current. If the GFCI senses an imbalance, it trips the circuit to cut power from the appliance.

Electricians install these breakers in water-prone areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, garages, and yards to protect homeowners from electrical shocks.

Preventing GFCIs tripping

As mentioned, most people put up holiday lights at a time when there’s a lot of moisture in the air. If the moisture sneaks into the wiring, the GFCI trips the circuit. On other occasions, the tripping results from an overload in the electrical system.

This leaves many homeowners with a headache on how to deal with constant GFCI tripping while staying safe from shocks. Here are some helpful tips:

Install an outlet cover

GFCIs are sensitive to changes in the environment. Installing an outlet cover is one way to prevent electrical outlets from coming into contact with weather elements.

These covers prevent the outlets and plugged-in cords from getting wet and stop small insects from gaining access.

Set timers

Most homeowners want their lights and displays to remain on for as long as possible. However, the longer the lights remain on, the higher the probability of tripping the GFCIs.

Installed timers set specific hours when the lights go on and off. Besides reducing the chances of tripping GFCIs, they also help homeowners save money on electrical bills.

Avoid taping wire connections

Many homeowners use electrical and duct tape to reduce wire movement and secure them from the elements. Unknowingly, this causes more harm than good. In high-humidity areas, tapes do not fully protect these connections from moisture.

The wrapping allows moisture to penetrate connections and plugs. Worse still, it won’t dry out. This can cause corrosion and electrical shorts that trip GFCIs.

Instead, homeowners should use adhesive heat shrink tubing. It forms a waterproof seal on wire connections. Alternatively, they can apply dielectric grease to plugs to prevent moisture accumulation.

Reduce electrical loads on outlets

Too many appliances on an outlet can lead to circuit overload. This triggers GFCIs to trip to prevent shocks and damage to appliances. To prevent this, homeowners should distribute lights and other electrical appliances across many outlets.

Light up the holidays!

For many homeowners who want to enjoy a colorful and bright holiday, GFCI tripping is a constant nuisance. However, being aware of the trigger points and troubleshooting tips comes in handy to reduce the stress of blackouts caused by tripping.

SG Electrical is a licensed, bonded, and insured solar and electrical company serving residential, commercial, and industrial customers in Coachella Valley. Highly--trained experts install, repair, clean, and maintain solar panels and provide comprehensive electrical services. Call us at (760)501-2423.