10-12-2015, 09:38 PM
I was trying to install a photocell on an outdoor lamp post but when I finalized the connection and flipped the light switch, the GFCI outlet would trip. The GFCI is the first outlet in the series. I also had another GFCI downstream of that (which I installed) that then fed power to the light switch going to the photocell to the lamp post. So I noticed that with the 2nd GFCI tripped but the first one on, I didn't have any current on any of the individual wires at the lamp post according to my non-contact voltage tester. However, with my black and ground in close proximity, the tester would indicate voltage.
So I thought maybe the 2nd GFCI (which I installed years ago) was improperly installed. I swapped it out for a normal outlet and tried again. This time, the original GFCI did not trip but the light still didn't come on. There was current flowing to the photocell, but none leaving to my lamp post light--even with my finger covering the photocell. But the weird thing was with the light switch in the off position, my tester was still beeping as before when the black and ground wires were close together at the pole.
I returned the photocell, but I think there's a bigger issue with the GFCI or wiring, but don't know how to proceed. Think the UF cable may be nicked or something? I don't know why this wouldn't trip the GFCI in its "normal" state. The lamp post switches on and of like normal and doesn't trip the GFCI, though.
Thanks,
Paull
So I thought maybe the 2nd GFCI (which I installed years ago) was improperly installed. I swapped it out for a normal outlet and tried again. This time, the original GFCI did not trip but the light still didn't come on. There was current flowing to the photocell, but none leaving to my lamp post light--even with my finger covering the photocell. But the weird thing was with the light switch in the off position, my tester was still beeping as before when the black and ground wires were close together at the pole.
I returned the photocell, but I think there's a bigger issue with the GFCI or wiring, but don't know how to proceed. Think the UF cable may be nicked or something? I don't know why this wouldn't trip the GFCI in its "normal" state. The lamp post switches on and of like normal and doesn't trip the GFCI, though.
Thanks,
Paull