If a GFCI trips, the first suspect should always be a leakage to ground somewhere.
*If* you were to replace the breaker, all you'd need to know is that it's a Square D "QO" type. Easiest thing to do is just take them into a HD or Lowes and get them to match it up.
You don't often see a GFCI breaker in a panel. They cost quite a bit more than than a GFCI receptacle. If you were thinking of replacing the GFCI breaker, you could always install a GFCI receptacle instead, if you can determine which receptacle is first in line on a circuit (may not be easy). The old breaker could be left in place because two GFCIs in series are not a problem.
What I've always found annoying is the so-called weatherproof cover plates. Once you flip the lid open and plug something in, it's possible for water to get in. They do have cover plates now that cover the plug as well but are bulky and might look odd on the side of an RV.
*If* you were to replace the breaker, all you'd need to know is that it's a Square D "QO" type. Easiest thing to do is just take them into a HD or Lowes and get them to match it up.
You don't often see a GFCI breaker in a panel. They cost quite a bit more than than a GFCI receptacle. If you were thinking of replacing the GFCI breaker, you could always install a GFCI receptacle instead, if you can determine which receptacle is first in line on a circuit (may not be easy). The old breaker could be left in place because two GFCIs in series are not a problem.
What I've always found annoying is the so-called weatherproof cover plates. Once you flip the lid open and plug something in, it's possible for water to get in. They do have cover plates now that cover the plug as well but are bulky and might look odd on the side of an RV.
Bobbo wrote:groundhogy wrote:
The issue is this...lol
When I connect my christmas lights up through a very old extension cord to my outside sockets, and if it rains, the breaker being discussed trips quite a bit
This explains your problem nicely. The GFCI is DESIGNED to trip if there is any current leakage. The old lights or extension cord, when wet, has some current leakage, ergo, the GFCI trips. It is supposed to trip. It is doing its job. A replacement will do exactly the same thing.
We have a winner!
Your GFCI Breaker IS SAVING YOUR LIFE and is functioning as it should.
Groundhoggy, you stated you are using an OLD EXTENSION CORD AND OLD LIGHTS.
Good chance that either the extension cord and/or the old lights may have enough electrical leakage (especially when wet, damp or in dew) to trigger the GFCI.
Try a new extension cord, if that does not fix then try new lights with new extension cord.
Other things to try, if you have ANY electrical connections (IE plugs) exposed to the weather, try wrapping some plastic around the connection to help shed moisture. Also try putting the connection if laying on the ground on a block of wood and COVER that connection with a bucket.
This is not a place to ignore the GFCI, it IS telling you to fix the problem with the wiring (IE lights and cord)..
