iwdplz wrote:
In other words, I can understand that if there is a neutral re-used from
another part of the circuit, the landscape light GFCI would trip because
of tiny differences in the neutral when other loads are applied on the
circuit. However if this part of the light circuit is using only a
direct ground, wouldn't the GFCI still function ok by detecting when the
"normal ground" becomes disconnected and replaced by an "improper
ground" like a wet person? Because there is a fluctuation in the current
in the transition between the two?

no.

the GFCI must be in a box where both hot and neutral are available - it
has connections for both. The GFCI compares currents between the two
wires, and if they differ by more than 5 mA or so, it'll shut off the
power. this is why it also can't be used to replace a switch used in a
"switch leg" configuration, because there's no neutral available there.

nate

--
replace "roosters" with "cox" to reply.
http://members.cox.net/njnagel