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Message
Waterproofing outdoor spotlights
Posted on 7/22/23 at 7:19 pm
Posted on 7/22/23 at 7:19 pm
I’m using outdoor grade extension cords that are buried and each connection is taped seal tight with a combination of electrical tape and duct tape. The floodlights are in “weatherproof” outdoor stakes and then I have wrapped the connection with the same manner of electrical and duct tape. However, every time there is rain, the GFI still trips. Water is getting in somehow. Any advice on waterproofing for outdoor lighting including spotlights and 3-way splitters, etc? I feel like Clark Griswold at this point
ETA: I’m trying to use Philips hue bulbs that I can control color for different holidays.. how do I weatherproof the connection into the fixture socket? Seems that the fixtures themselves are getting water into them in heavy rain
ETA: I’m trying to use Philips hue bulbs that I can control color for different holidays.. how do I weatherproof the connection into the fixture socket? Seems that the fixtures themselves are getting water into them in heavy rain
This post was edited on 7/23/23 at 9:12 am
8
Posted on 7/22/23 at 7:28 pm to lesgeaux
You have a connection that is buried and you used electrical and duct tape? It isn't a regular plug, is it? Water will get into that tape eventually, and once it does it will always be a problem. If it's just wire nuts, even worse.
Posted on 7/22/23 at 7:39 pm to lesgeaux
Put the connection in a tiny bag full of dielectric grease, and then zip tie the bag around the two wires
…that’s one method used in low voltage. I’ve never tried line voltage in the elements. There are waterproof gang boxes with grommets you could try, +/- wire nut pre-filled with dielectric
ETA: something like This
…that’s one method used in low voltage. I’ve never tried line voltage in the elements. There are waterproof gang boxes with grommets you could try, +/- wire nut pre-filled with dielectric
ETA: something like This
This post was edited on 7/22/23 at 7:41 pm
Posted on 7/22/23 at 9:16 pm to calcotron
The connections are not buried, just the cords on their way to the connection points. And at their connection points (whether cord to cord, or cord to splitters) the connections are all taped.
I assume some sort of weather-proof container might work to house the connections in and have an entry and exit hole for the cords and try to seal those? But not having luck finding something like that
I assume some sort of weather-proof container might work to house the connections in and have an entry and exit hole for the cords and try to seal those? But not having luck finding something like that
This post was edited on 7/22/23 at 9:18 pm
Posted on 7/22/23 at 9:23 pm to lesgeaux
quote:
I’m using outdoor grade extension cords that are buried and each connection is taped seal tight with a combination of electrical tape and duct tape.
Bruh, just do it right
Posted on 7/22/23 at 10:04 pm to lesgeaux
quote:
outdoor grade extension cords that are buried
Direct bury Romex at minimum, pvc conduit if you want to do it right
quote:
taped seal tight with a combination of electrical tape and duct tape
Are you serious? And wondering why the gfi is tripping? Junction boxes !!!!
quote:
I feel like Clark Griswold at this point
You got that part right
Posted on 7/23/23 at 5:41 am to lesgeaux
quote:
the GFI still trips
Might have saved your life.
Posted on 7/23/23 at 5:51 am to lesgeaux
Direct bury cable connected inside of appropriate junction box full of electrical grease.
Do it right before you burn your house down
Do it right before you burn your house down
Posted on 7/23/23 at 6:38 am to lesgeaux
Romex in conduit to an outdoor rated plug is the only correct way. Don’t bury an extension cord.
Posted on 7/23/23 at 6:56 am to AyyyBaw
quote:
Romex in conduit
Yep it's the way to go. Did that with a buried conduit, the appropriate Romex, feeding an outdoor switch box linked to a small concrete fountain.
Posted on 7/24/23 at 11:10 am to lesgeaux
quote:
Seems that the fixtures themselves are getting water into them in heavy rain
Do you have a picture of these fixtures?
Posted on 7/24/23 at 1:01 pm to AyyyBaw
direct burial cable to junction box. done and you wont die
Posted on 7/24/23 at 10:18 pm to AyyyBaw
quote:
Romex in conduit to an outdoor rated plug is the only correct way.
Romex in conduit is actually not ideal, THHN in conduit would be the correct way
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