Fault light remains on

[vdotmatrix]

i hope I can explain what is happening.

This outside outlet is controlled by a switch inside the house. Right now it supplies power to the white icicle christmas lights which are still up.

Sometimes when it rains, (i guess), the gfci trips and the little fault light stays dimly lit. I cannot reset this outlet until I come inside, flip the switch to energize this outlet.

When the tripped outlet is energized, the fault switch is twice as bright and the outlet can be reset.

Does this sound right?

ALSO: this is the only out in the entire house that I have been zapped when my volt meters have said it was not live.




Energized outlet before reset.

 

[PCustoms]

What " volt meter" are you using?

 

[Chuckster in NJ]

MUST have power on in order to reset……. Most likely nothing is wrong.

TIP! DO NOT use a digital meter to check a GFI because they are too sensitive……… Use a Wiggy.

 

[vdotmatrix]

What " volt meter" are you using?

I said volt meter but i forgot i am on an electrical forum. It Is a non contact voltage detector.

 

[vdotmatrix]

MUST have power on in order to reset……. Most likely nothing is wrong.

TIP! DO NOT use a digital meter to check a GFI because they are too sensitive……… Use a Wiggy.

That’s what I suspected..thanks

 

[PCustoms]

I said volt meter but i forgot i am on an electrical forum. It Is a non contact voltage detector.

Those ****, for reasons you've already discovered.

Throw it away.

If you must use one, remember to verify on a known circuit first.

 

[Zeke]

Could it be a pilot light? Shows that the line side is still hot when dim and shows tripped when bright.