The official monsoon season June 15 through September 30, although if you’ve lived in Glendale for a few years, you know that we typically don’t see the heavy storms until July. Once those storms arrive, however, they can cause problems with your outdoor outlets.
Glendale homes spend much of the year in dry heat, then suddenly face heavy rain, wind, dust, humidity, and water that often pools around patios, garages, and walls. That quick change can make outlets that work fine during the dry weather suddenly stop working.
So, if you are asking why does my outdoor outlet keep tripping after it rains, the most common answer is moisture. Your outlet, outdoor plug, extension cord, landscape lighting, or another device on the same circuit may be getting wet. It should be protected by a GFCI to avoid shock, but it will trip and stop working, and it’s more than a nuisance. Water in your electrical system can be a serious problem.
Why Outdoor Outlets Trip After Rain
Outdoor outlets need to handle the high heat and rain, but they still need the right protection. Covers, seals, weather-resistant outlets, and GFCI protection all work together to help reduce electrical hazards.
The GFCI monitors the flow of electricity through your circuit. If it senses electricity leaking from its normal path, it shuts off power quickly. This is especially important outdoors, where water can increase the risk of shock.
After a Glendale monsoon storm, rainwater can get into cracked covers, loose outlet boxes, wet cords, and other devices. When that wind kicks up and drives rain sideways, it can also get into more places, including those that aren’t affected by a more normal rain shower. So, if a GFCI in a garage or outdoor outlet keeps tripping, it may be sending you a message that the circuit is wet and unsafe to use.
Common Reasons Outdoor Outlets Trip After a Monsoon Rain
Several issues can cause a GFCI in a garage or exterior outlet to trip. Here are some of the most common reasons it happens.
Moisture Inside the Outlet Box
Rain doesn’t have to flood an outlet to cause a problem. A small amount of moisture behind the cover plate or inside the box can be enough to trip the GFCI. This often happens when an outdoor cover is cracked, loose, missing, or not rated for use while something is plugged in.
Wet Extension Cords or Outdoor Devices
The problem may also come from something plugged into the outlet. Outdoor lights, extension cords, patio appliances, fountains, power tools, and holiday decorations can all trip a GFCI if water reaches the plug or cord.
A Garage GFCI Controls the Outdoor Outlet
Many Glendale homeowners do not realize that an outdoor outlet may be protected by a GFCI in the garage or at the electrical panel. One GFCI outlet might also protect other outlets downstream on the same circuit. So, you may not find the reset button outside; it may be inside somewhere on the circuit.
Old Wiring or Corroded Connections
Over time, wiring, terminals, outlet boxes, and covers can wear down or corrode. So, a monsoon storm might reveal problems that were already developing. If the outlet trips every time it rains, will not reset, or loses power along with other outlets, there may be a wiring or circuit issue that needs professional attention.
Why Does My Outdoor Outlet Keep Tripping After It Rains: What You Can Check
Water and electricity can be dangerous, but there are a few things you can check carefully. If the area is still wet, let it dry out before you examine it closely. Once dry, you can:
- Check the outlet cover for cracks, gaps, looseness, or missing parts.
- Reset the GFCI by pushing the reset button.
- Unplug everything and plug things back in one at time to see if a particular item is causing the problem.
If the outlet trips again immediately, stop resetting it. Repeated tripping means the GFCI is still detecting a problem.
When To Call an Electrician
A one-time trip after a severe storm may be caused by temporary moisture. However, repeated GFCI trips should be inspected by a licensed electrician.
Call for service if the outlet:
- Trips whenever it rains
- Won’t reset even after it dries out
- Trips the breaker again after resetting
- Feels warm to the touch
- Smells burnt
- Sparks or buzzes
- Shows rust or discoloration
You should also call if several outlets lose power at once or if you cannot find the GFCI reset location.
The highly-trained technicians at George Brazil Plumbing & Electrical can help identify the cause. Our electricians can inspect your outdoor outlets, GFCIs, covers, wiring, and circuit protection to determine whether moisture, corrosion, damaged components, or another electrical issue is causing the problem.
Schedule electrical service with George Brazil Plumbing & Electrical to help keep your Glendale home safe during Arizona monsoon season.