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Outdoor electrical outlet got wet - trip switch tripped

Asked Jul 15, 2010, 01:40 AM — 5 Answers
Hi,

I hope you can help. I need some advise on my outside electrical outlet. Last night we had a heavy storm and the electricity tripped on one section of the house including the outside outlet. The trip switch couldn't be reset (it just kept tripping).
Suspecting the outdoor outlet I examined it and noticed that some rain had managed to get inside - so I think it's safe to say that this is what caused the trip.

My question is this - Is it safe to just reset the electricity once the outlet has dried out? Or should I look at replacing the outlet, or having an electrician take a look at it? What is the likelihood of something like this causing a fire or anything?

Any advise is greatly appreciated.
Thanks
John

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5 Answers
donf's Avatar
donf Posts: 4,795, Reputation: 2723
Printers & Electronics Expert
  
#2

Jul 15, 2010, 05:59 AM
All good questions

First let the receptacle dry out. Then reset the breaker. If the breaker holds, then I would leave it activated and get a new weather proof utility box. If water got in there once, it will do it again.

If the breaker trips immeadiatley, then more than likely you have an upstream problem and you will have to follow the circuit backwards until the fault is found and removed from the circuit.
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Black_Crow_King's Avatar
Black_Crow_King Posts: 2, Reputation: 10
New Member
  
#3

Jul 15, 2010, 08:53 AM
Thanks Don,
I will do that - how long do you think it will take until it's completely dry? (I am mister novice!)
Cheers
John
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tkrussell's Avatar
tkrussell Posts: 9,673, Reputation: 3698
Senior Electrical & Lighting Expert
  
#4

Jul 15, 2010, 09:16 AM


Any electrical device that gets wet needs to be replaced.

Even if it dries out, it may never be the same.

Esp a GFI receptacle, due the solid state components inside.
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donf's Avatar
donf Posts: 4,795, Reputation: 2723
Printers & Electronics Expert
  
#5

Jul 15, 2010, 09:16 AM
That would depend on your local weather. Right now, here in Va. Beach. The temp is at 85, sunny and clear.

Of course 5 minutes from now it could be either 90 or 75, it just depends on the wind.

I would wait at least 24 hours. Just flip the breaker and see what happens.
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donf's Avatar
donf Posts: 4,795, Reputation: 2723
Printers & Electronics Expert
  
#6

Jul 15, 2010, 09:21 AM
Based on the short term, I would follow TK's expert advice and replace both the receptacle and the box.
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