Login|Contact Us
Question and Answer

Electrical

Ask an Electrical Question, Get an Answer ASAP!

  • Ask A Question
  • Browse Answers
  • Meet The Experts
  • How JustAnswer Works

I have a pool light protected by a GFCI receptacle. There is

 
Mike G.'s Avatar
  • Answered by:Mike G.
  • Master Electrician
  • Positive Feedback: 96.8 %
  • Accepted Answers: 4665
Verified Expert
in Electrical

Recent Feedback

Positive
Mike G was very helpful, had very good insight. Would be glad to use his...
Positive
Type your review here...
Positive
Thank you for your help. I DID give feedback - but the JA website is having...
Positive
thank-you
Positive
Thanks Mike appreciate the info
Positive
Thanks for your fast reply. I'll have to try to pretty up the wires and...
Positive
Thanks
Positive
Seemed very Patience. Very helpful. thanks mike
Positive
Mike G is fast and the best part, he is able to speak "non-techie" so neophytes...

Customer Question

I have a pool light protected by a GFCI receptacle. There is nothing else on the circuit. When I push the test button, the GFCI trips as expected, but it won't reset unless the Light Switch is on. If it's on, it resets as expected and the light works just fine. Is this normal? If not, what is likely the cause?

thanks.

 



Already Tried:
Replaced the GFCI receptacle - both the old and the new behave the same way.

Submitted: 318 days and 7 hours ago.
Category: Electrical
Value: $12
Status: CLOSED
Picture
Expert:  Mike G. replied 318 days and 7 hours ago.

Hi, I'm Mike and I'll be glad to assist you. The Switch is ahead of the GFCI. A GFCI wont reset unless it's powered.

Customer replied 318 days and 7 hours ago.

That never occurred to me. The receptacle is right beneath the breaker box, so I assumed the switch was after the GFCI. Sure enough, there's no power at the receptacle unless the switch is on! Is there a reason to wire it like this?

Accepted Answer

Picture
Expert:  Mike G. replied 318 days and 7 hours ago.

Electrician's choice.

Expert TypeMaster Electrician
Category: Electrical
Pos. Feedback: 96.8 %
Accepts: 4665
Answered: 5/29/2012

Experience: Proven Professional 44 years Experience

Ask this Expert a Question >
 
Tweet

Electricians are Online Right Now

Ask Your Question Now
Electrical Questions Date Submitted
Hello, I have a 115 volt 20 watt heating element in 3/27/2013
long shot someone can help but here goes. single pole switch 3/27/2013
there is a circuit in my kitchen that keeps turning off and 3/26/2013
I have a bathroom with no outlet. Can I wire a GFI outlet 3/26/2013
Last year a lightening bolt struck our bungalow (no damage 3/26/2013
I have a 3 year old home in Ottawa, Canada. We have replaced 3/26/2013
Flooded electrical dried out romex and recepticals. Does it 3/25/2013
how do I run wire in a cinder block house,is the cost more 3/25/2013
I have three electrical equipment's that I need power at all 3/25/2013
I have an electrical box on ceiling whit three cables.coming 3/24/2013
RSS
Next 10 >
Ask an Electrician
Type Your Electrical Question Here...
characters left:

Top Electrical Experts

See More Electricians

In The News

Nbc
Washington Post
New York Times
Cnn
Learn More

How It Works

  • Ask an Expert
  • Get a Professional Answer
  • Ask Followup Questions
  • 100% Satisfaction Guarantee
Learn More
 
 
 

Recent Articles in Electrical

  • Electric Pull Switch Related Questions
  • Questions about OHMS
  • Questions on Light Switch Problems
  • Electrical Transfer Switch Questions
  • Questions on Electrical Plugs
  • Questions on Generator Troubleshooting
  • Questions on Electrical Bus Bar
  • Questions on Electrical Timer Switches
  • Questions on Thermostat Problems
  • Questions on Voltage Problems
All Electrical Articles
 
 
 
close
Find Expert answers related to your question.
Sign up using email
We will never post anything without your permission.
Already have an account? Sign in

Ask an Electrician

Get a Professional Answer. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed.
77 Electricians are Online Now
Type Your Electrical Question Here...
characters left:
Disclaimer: Information in questions, answers, and other posts on this site ("Posts") comes from individual users, not JustAnswer; JustAnswer is not responsible for Posts. Posts are for general information, are not intended to substitute for informed professional advice (medical, legal, veterinary, financial, etc.), or to establish a professional-client relationship. The site and services are provided "as is" with no warranty or representations by JustAnswer regarding the qualifications of Experts. To see what credentials have been verified by a third-party service, please click on the "Verified" symbol in some Experts' profiles. JustAnswer is not intended or designed for EMERGENCY questions which should be directed immediately by telephone or in-person to qualified professionals.
Truste
Contact Us | Terms of Service | Privacy & Security | About Us
© 2003-2013 JustAnswer LLC