Talk of The Villages Florida - GFCI Nuisance Tripping

Does that garage GFCI keep tripping on you? What a nuisance!
Hi there! Casandra with Pike's Electric coming to you with more electrical talk. Today I wanted to discuss GFCI receptacles and the nuisance tripping that may occur due to moisture, heavy rains, pressure washing your home, etc.
1. If your home was built in 2017 or older, you may have GFCIs in your garage, some in which may be tied into your garage door opener equipment/exterior outlets. Your exterior outlets will be GFCI protected from GFCI outlet in your garage. Some model homes have 1, 2, or 3 of these outlets. To locate them, please walk the interior walls of your garage, look at all outlets and press in firmly the RESET button to reset (once everything is cleared/unplugged/dry). Please note, any other outlets tied into this circuit will trip down with no power if the GFCI trips. Thus, if you have a fridge or freezer in your garage, and it is not on a dedicated outlet/breaker source for power, it will trip down with that circuit.
2. If you haven't caulked around your weatherproof boxes OR covers on your outside outlets, now is the time! Any moisture detected from heavy rain storms (we are getting those multiple times weekly now) and pressure washing your home can cause a properly functioning GFCI to trip. It will not reset until the circuit has dried out. If your weatherproof outlet covers are brittle, cracked, or non-existent, we can help you get those replaced!
3. When a heavy storm/hurricane is expected, unplug your outdoor equipment, lighting, or fountains/water features. The best way to prevent a nuisance tripping GFCI is to clear the potential for a trip. If you have cords exposed where plugged in outside, once damp, they will cause a properly functioning GFCI to trip.

Pike's Electric is here to get your home prepared for storm season. The time is now to have your home's electrical inspected to be sure your breakers and GFCIs are functioning properly. Please also remember our Storm Season promotion for surge protection, Generac generators, and interlock/outlet set ups for portable generators ends on 7/1/25. Call or email! I'd love to help you.
352-748-6251
Direct Email: cnelson@pikeselectric.com