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Why Does My Circuit Breaker Trip Whenever It Rains? – Explained

Written by Edwin Jones / Fact checked by Andrew Wright

why does my circuit breaker trip whenever it rains

Why does my circuit breaker trip whenever it rains? If everything else is fine with your electrical system, the breaker tripping is most likely due to water-related issues.

For further information, I will go over some tips and advice on avoiding those water-related problems.

Why Circuit Breaker Trips During Storm?

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The most common reason the breaker keeps tripping after storm is a short circuit caused by water. Moisture from cold weather or heavy rains can corrode electrical wiring. Due to the corroded wiring, the current becomes too high. This will result in a short circuit and breaker tripping. Check out how to fix short circuits here.

If your outdoor GFCI outlet keeps tripping after rain, the moisture or water likely entered the outlet. This can happen even when there’s only humidity, especially if your place of residence is somewhere like Florida.

Another possible reason your circuit breaker tripped during storm is improper installation of your panel box.

If the main line is not correctly installed, rainwater can enter your circuit in various ways. Water may enter your home through the wiring up to the meter and electrical circuit. It’s also possible that the water will flow through the hose or conduit that you used to install your main line.

For this reason, if the breaker box is in the basement, the water may get through to it, causing your circuit to become wet. Having a wet circuit breaker is the worst thing that can happen to your home. Aside from the electrical issues a wet circuit can cause, it is also hazardous because you could be electrocuted.

This video by NoNonsenseKnowHow is an excellent example of how your circuit breaker becomes wet during rain. Also, pay attention to how he finds out the problem and comes up with a solution to stop the water from coming to his breaker panel. It will undoubtedly assist you in preventing this from occurring in your circuit line.

What to Do After GFCI Circuit Breaker Trips When It Rains?

If the GFCI trips, your breaker box is likely wet. Make sure to disconnect the main electrical line and dry the panel with a hairdryer. Be careful not to set the heat too high and melt the wires.

Then, turn back the power in the panel and reset the GFCI outlet.

Prevent Tripping of Circuit Breakers During or After the Rain

No one wants to experience the sudden tripping of a circuit breaker, especially when electricity has become a necessity in our lives. Here are some tips that will help you prevent this kind of problem.

1. Repair Any Roof Damage Immediately

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Aside from potentially high repair costs, roof leakage can also damage some of your electrical circuits. Water may penetrate your damaged roof during rainy weather, run through your electrical wiring, and damage your circuit. Any signs of damage, including roof leakage, should immediately be addressed before they worsen.

2. Make Sure that Your Main line is Properly Installed

To prevent water from entering your circuit, ensure your mainline is properly installed outside. Examine the service line’s connected wire to see if it is enclosed. Check the conduit, hose, or enclosure you’re using to cover your main line as well. See that both ends are securely closed, and watch out for any damage to your materials.

3. Put a Cover in Your GFCI Outlet Outside

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A GFCI cover should be used for the outside outlet for additional longevity. This enclosure can also protect your circuit, as it can prevent moisture build-up inside it by blocking water that accidentally splashes into the outlet.

4. Call a Professional Electrician

Remember that you should not attempt any electronic repairs if you are unfamiliar with electronics, particularly wet circuits. It’s advisable to call a professional when a circuit breaker trips unexpectedly due to water contact.

Also, if the water is still inside the breaker, don’t try to reset a wet breaker because it might not trip again. It is hazardous to have this problem in your circuit. It’s the equivalent of not using a circuit breaker to protect your appliances.

Conclusion

Reading this article will help you answer your question of why does my circuit breaker trip whenever it rains? It also provides valuable tips for preventing your circuit breaker from tripping during the rainy season. It can lower the cost of your repair while eliminating the risk of an electrical hazard.

Is there anything interesting about this topic that you’ve noticed so far? Do you have any thoughts on the advice I provided? If you have, I would be delighted to read them. Let us know what you think in the comments section below.

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