Whenever it pours or sleets my Christmas lights go out (blowing the circuit). We only plug 3 strands per extension cord then all into the timer. It only happens in rain/sleet. It is fine if it snows. We have tried everything from wrapping all exposed openings on cord to putting a plastic bag over the timer and insulating it all with a towel. Sometimes it is only half of the lights. Any solutions? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
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"We have tried everything from wrapping all exposed openings on cord to putting a plastic bag over the timer and insulating it all with a towel."
there are two things you could try.
you could try replacing the gfci receptical with a new one or(you didn't hear this from me) replace it with just a regular outlet.
the purpose of the gfi is to prevent a shock if you touch a live wire but sometimes they are more of a pain than anything else.they do wear out and sometimes become overly sensitive.i have two outlets on my house front and back,timer on each,different lights for every season and holiday (right now it's haloween)no gfis and we never had a problem.
there are two things you could try.
you could try replacing the gfci receptical with a new one or(you didn't hear this from me) replace it with just a regular outlet.
the purpose of the gfi is to prevent a shock if you touch a live wire but sometimes they are more of a pain than anything else.they do wear out and sometimes become overly sensitive.i have two outlets on my house front and back,timer on each,different lights for every season and holiday (right now it's haloween)no gfis and we never had a problem.
I'll go along with trying a new GFI. Underwiters Labs have tightened up the standard & the new receptacles should be more reliable than the older ones.
If that doesn't work, try spraying some WD-40 into the cord ends.
If that doesn't work, then you may have a nick in the insulation of the christmas light wires. Carefully examine the wires for any damage & repair any damaged spots.
You heard this from me- under no circumstances should you do away with the ground fault receptacle.
If that doesn't work, try spraying some WD-40 into the cord ends.
If that doesn't work, then you may have a nick in the insulation of the christmas light wires. Carefully examine the wires for any damage & repair any damaged spots.
You heard this from me- under no circumstances should you do away with the ground fault receptacle.
A outdoor GFI should be covered with an In-use cover....what kind of timer ? a Plastic bag is not a waterproof option......
Light string cord to cord connections can be painted with a "liquid plastic insulator" to keep out the rain......miniature "lamp" sockets are generally not the fault source
"......measure Once.....cut Twice....
throw that one away and cut a new one...."
Light string cord to cord connections can be painted with a "liquid plastic insulator" to keep out the rain......miniature "lamp" sockets are generally not the fault source
"......measure Once.....cut Twice....
throw that one away and cut a new one...."
