On Tuesday, May 25, 2004 11:12:32 AM UTC-4, JJ wrote:
Problem resolved!

Well, I guess starting with the simple things first is
a good idea. Despite the fact that the external outlets
looked high and dry, I tried the hair dryer technique on
them. After this, the circuit would still trip, but I
thought I detected a slight pause before tripping. I
tried again after an hour and the pause was now slightly
longer (maybe 1/2 a second instead of instantaneous).

I looked at the outlets again, and while dry, I did now notice
that one of the them now seemed slightly corroded. When I
removed it and looked in the receptacle, sure enough, I found
a little water in there. It seems the water made its way in
during the heavy rain, but by the time I looked, there was no
external indication that anything had ever got wet. I dried
out the inside of the receptacle, put everything back together
and the breaker did not trip!

For now, I have sealed up the outside with a little masking tape
until I can pick up and install a new outlet.

As for the lights in the bathroom being on the GFCI, it's
probably because the particular type of fixture had a plug
outlet in it too.

Thanks all.

-Jonathan



*When you put the outdoor outlet back together make sure that the gasket is good. Also caulk around the cover. I use GE Silicone 2 Gutter (Clear) caulk for this. Home Depot sells it.

Several months ago I posted a photo on my Facebook page of an outdoor GFI receptacle that was subjected to water infiltration. It looked as though someone put a torch to it. The DIY installer mounted an open face weatherproof lamp socket in the upright vertical position on top of the weatherproof box. Water would land on the open bulb and trickle down the bulb socket into the weatherproof electrical box. In addition to replacing the GFI, I replaced the socket with a sealed fixture and generously caulked.

John Grabowski
http://www.MrElectrician.TV