Walk in closet light tripping GFCI?
#1
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Walk in closet light tripping GFCI?
We have not changed anything since moving in to our house 2 years ago. The GFCI outlet in the master bath has just started tripping, and it appears that the light/light switch in the connected walk in closet is the culprit. The bathroom lights and outlets can be used without any problem, but 5 seconds after the closet light is turned on, the GFCI trips, and if you reset it again it trips in about 5 seconds. Where should I start to look for issues?
Thanks
Thanks
#2
Welcome to the forums! No new light bulbs? CFL? LED? If not, then I would change the GFCI. They do go bad and they get weak. If changing it out doesn't reap the good rewards, let us know and we'll dig a little deeper. No need in changing anything but the receptacle first. Be sure to remove the power first .
#4
Are you saying the light is on the GFCI? Best practice is not to have lights on a GFCI except in some rare cases which this isn't. Are you saying the closet is part of the bathroom?
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Sorry for the delay in responding. The issue actually went away for quite a while on its own, but is now back again. The walk in closet is entered from the bathroom, so I don't know if that is a special situation. I changed the GFCI that was tripping but the problem still persists (and that wasn't what fixed it temporarily either).
#8
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So the problem is in the wiring, not the bulb. Check the connections in the fixture and at the switch to make sure they are not loose. If the switch has push-in connections move the wires to the screw terminals. If a fluorescent fixture, the ballast could be failing.
#9
Another suggestion is to disconnect switched hot wire from fixture (usually a black wire) and then see if the GFCI still trips after switch activation. If the tripping stops then fixture is likely at fault
Take standard precautions of turning off power before this and making sure disconnected lead is kept from shorting on anything.
Take standard precautions of turning off power before this and making sure disconnected lead is kept from shorting on anything.
#10
Since your problem also last occurred in the spring, perhaps something related to condensation or humidity. For example, steam from the showers gets into the light box, condenses into droplets and causes a trip.
Did you try replacing the GFCI last time? They can just go bad or get finicky.
Did you try replacing the GFCI last time? They can just go bad or get finicky.
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Thanks for all the help! I ended up replacing the fixture and that fixed it. Not sure if the other ground was bad, but just happy I can see my clothes and shoes again.