Does outdoor lighting need to be GFCI protected?

[Roger9]

I have an inspector telling me 2 coach lights on a garage that are switched from inside need to be GFCI protected. So we did so, problem is when a little water gets into the coach light the breaker trips. We’ve siliconed the coach light top and sides. I don’t know what else to do

 

[rc/retired]

The inspector is wrong. 2023 NEC 210.8(F) exception 1

Ron

 

[LarryFine]

With few exceptions, it's the outlet that determines whether GFCI protection is required, not the load.

 

[Seven-Delta-FortyOne]

210.8(F)

 

[tortuga]

I have an inspector telling me 2 coach lights on a garage that are switched from inside need to be GFCI protected. So we did so, problem is when a little water gets into the coach light the breaker trips. We’ve siliconed the coach light top and sides. I don’t know what else to do

I agree with the others GFCI protection is not required per exception 1,
However if you can't stop water from getting into the lights and causing the exposed metal parts to be energized the lights are probably not suitable for a wet location and you have other issues like 110.7.

 

[Fred B]

GFCI no, But if in a dwelling unit and new installation it will need AFCI as the switch is inside.

 

[AC\DC]

Gfci seems good in your situation. It’s finding a problem