GFCI 2 pole circuit breaker tripping

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GerryC

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Location
West Islip, NY 11795
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Retired Journeyman Electrician A division Local #3 NYC
Residential question regarding a GFIC 2 pole circuit breaker feeding a swimming pool pump and a salt generator. Background live on New York on long Island, about 5 minute drive to the ocean on the south shore. The GFIC breaker will trip when ever it rains and after it has time to dry out the circuit can be reset and no tripping. I checked the outlet which is outside and has a in-use cover on the outlet. I know a ground fault and moisture will trip the breaker but I don't se how moisture is getting into the system, any thoughts. Thanks, Gerry
 
The moisture is getting into the circuit somewhere. In-use cover or not, start opening things up until you find it.

You could alternately disconnect the the motor or salt controller to try to isolate the problem.
 
Troubleshooting issues like this is a process of elimination. Start with the easiest to test or temporarily alter.

Perhaps you could use a water hose to rain on one thing at a time. It could be underground or in a flex.
 
Next time it happens, spray sone WD-40 into the outlet and see if it resets immediately. If so, there’s your problem. WD in the name stands for “water displacer”, it will separate water molecules so they no longer conduct.
 
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