Things like moisture, physical damage to the wiring, and circuit overloads can lead to your outdoor lights tripping your breaker. By determining when this happens, you can narrow down the culprit. For example, does it happen after a rainstorm or only while your lights are on?
Moisture Issues
Your outdoor electrical system is very sensitive when it comes to moisture. Even a small amount of water can cause the electricity to “leak” into the ground. This triggers the breaker to trip for safety reasons.
If your breaker is tripping after rain or when the sprinkler runs, water is likely entering the fixture, the outlet, or a buried splice. Check your exterior outlet covers too. If they are cracked or loose, rain can find its way inside.
Corrosion is another culprit. Moisture can cause your light sockets to corrode over time. This can result in short circuits.
Overloaded Circuits
When you expect your circuits to provide you with more power than they can handle, they will overload. The addition of even one extra light fixture can push your transformer beyond its wattage limit. Professional electricians recommend what they call the 80% rule. Never load a circuit or transformer past 80% of its capacity.
Several high-powered devices often share your outdoor outlets. This includes things like pool pumps, heaters, and power tools. Using these items simultaneously may trip your breaker.
Short Circuits and Damaged Wiring
When two wires touch, there is an instant surge of electricity, which can cause a dead short. Furthermore, poor insulation or vibrations can loosen wires within your light fixtures. When they touch the fixture’s metal, it creates an arc.
Your outdoor lighting is often present in your landscaping. This leaves it vulnerable to weed whackers, shovels, and edging tools. These items can nick your buried wires and expose the copper. Even rodents, like chipmunks, squirrels, and moles, can chew through your outdoor wiring’s insulation.
Faulty Components
Your outdoor lighting’s hardware could be the problem. Outdoor GFI outlets typically last 15 to 25 years. As they age, they become sensitive or fail internally. Circuit breakers wear out over time too, which means they begin to trip more easily.
When you experience frequent breaker trips, you can troubleshoot the issue. Disconnect all of the outdoor lighting and reset the breaker. If it trips with nothing plugged in, the problem is in the breaker or wiring. Otherwise, plug the lights in one at a time. Whichever one trips the breaker is the source of the problem. Turn to a professional to fix the issue. Reach out to Champion Comfort Experts in Hendersonville, NC for help with all of your outdoor lighting needs.
