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jmhaas · Nov 30, 2006, 04:02 PM

Is an outlet screwed into a grounded light socket grounded? I want to screw an outlet into an exterior light socket, then plug the Christmas lights into this outlet but I want the Christmas lights to be grounded. Is there a way to get around taking off the light fixture and installing a box with a ground fault outlet as well as a new box for the light fixture? Then there is the problem that the light fixture is on a switch. Thanks JM

tkrussell · Nov 30, 2006, 07:43 PM

No it is not grounded, need the third wire or prong for the ground. You may be able to use one of the two wire to three wire adapter, has a short green wire dangling from it, and connect this ground to a grounded part of the light fixture, if there is any. Many outdoor lights are plastic, and need to open the wiring box to gain access to a ground.

There may be outdoor fixtures with an tlet builtin, or you will need to use a weatherproof box to exttend the fixture out to gain a threaded hub to use a conduit nipple into the new outlet box and install a real GFI receptacle.

Having a switch control the light is OK, if you don't want to shut the xmas lights off at night , all you can do is leave the switch on.

dclynch · Dec 1, 2006, 08:07 AM

I'm asking to be educated, not quarrelsome.

I thought the idea was that the outdoor lights should be plugged into a GFCI protected outlet. So, if the outdoor light is GFCI protected, shouldn't he be okay. If not, doesn't he need to plug into such an outlet, say from the bathroom?

My outdoor lights are only two wire, but they are the 40 watt per string mini lights. Do higher power outdoor lights have a ground wire in the cord?

Thanks in advance for your answer.

tkrussell · Dec 1, 2006, 07:00 PM

Yes your right but jmhaas does not say his light is GFI protected and asks how to install a GFI.

I don't think too many xmas light sets have the third ground wire, I try to stay away from them,the wife is not happy about it, but no way do I work with wire at home if I can help it.

The ground is not necessary because the entire set is made of plastic, and GFI protectors do not need a ground to trip.