WP GFI Receptacle

[dirkhats]

Each year during this season we get a lot of calls from people whose GFI receptacles are tripping where Christmas lights are used. I'm looking for some innovative way, while staying compliant with the NEC, where we may reduce or eliminate this problem. What are some tricks you have found successful?

 

[roger]

Re: WP GFI Receptacle

Dirk, the cause is the nature of the beast. You have poorly manufactured exterior fixtures subject to the elements. (moisture being the biggest culprit)

The innovative way that is most likely to ease this problem is to keep things dry. LOL

Good luck, and tell your customers not to go around the GFCI protection.

Coincidently, I watched a show last night about Christmas decoration fires and associated permanent injuries and loss of life.

Roger

 

[big john]

Re: WP GFI Receptacle

I'm real big on decorating my house at Christmas, have just shy of two miles of lights I put up. One thing I do to help protect against ground faults is to wrap all the cord-and-plug connections with Scotch 33. Wrap them tight enough and use enough tape that it sufficiently seals out moisture.

I don't think there's much that can be done about cumulative leakage from the lamp sockets.

-John

 

[hurk27]

Re: WP GFI Receptacle

If multiples strings of lights are going to be used out side the only way I have found to seal the plugs is with a dielectric grease made for this purpose use it to coat the plug prongs where one string plugs into another. and some types of this grease is high temp rated and could be used to seal the lamp sockets too. But be sure to get the type that is non-flammable. as this could just add to a problem. I have found that even 3-M scotch-33 will allow moisture in the connection.

Item ID: 30-030
Name: Noalox? Anti-Oxidant Compound 8 oz. Squeeze Bottle




Features: Anti-oxidant and anti-seizing compound
Reduces galling and seizing on aluminum conduit joints
Suspended zinc particles penetrate and cut aluminum oxide
Carrier material excludes air to prevent further oxidation
Improves service life of aluminum electrical applications

For use with all types of pressure-type wire connections

 

[tom baker]

Re: WP GFI Receptacle

Hurk27: what about the grease used on automobile electrical connectors? It seems like a silicon type product.

 

[hurk27]

Re: WP GFI Receptacle

I have used many types of silicon type dielectric grease I have a large tub in my tool box now that I use it when I think there will be a moisture problem. but it has a very high flash point and I have even tried to see if it would burn. but it wouldn't so this would be the only thing I would watch for. Most silicon base greases are not harmful to plastics and will also protect them too as this is what's in most car vinel protectents. They will even protect rubber too.

 

[hurk27]

Re: WP GFI Receptacle

I should add that the dielectric grease in my tool box has a break down voltage of 65KV the Noa-Lox says 600 Volts. Which this is probely because of the dual role it plays. as a antiseze and a moisture repelent. The grafite in it most likly lowers the break down voltage. I have tried to get a reading up to 2 meg (the limit of my meter) but it would not move the meter.