pool light tripping GFCI

[H2Ocare]

My pool light trips the GFCI on the panel. The switch inside the house is connected to the output of a GFCI receptacle on the pool electrical panel. Does any one know how to figure out what's going wrong?

120V breaker hot -----> |GFCI | --->switch------> pool bulb live
120V neutral ---------> |outlet |-----------------> pool bulb neutral
GROUND -------------->|----------|>----------------->pool bulb ground

 

[JohnT]

Is this a newinstall, or has it worked in the past and just started tripping?

 

[H2Ocare]

Not a new install but I have been refurbishing the panel. I replaced the GFCI and other pool equipment.

 

[JasonLion]

Water inside the light fixture is one common cause. Water in the junction box near the pool can also do it. Defective GFCI outlets are also common.

 

[H2Ocare]

water in light fixture --- I dont know. I cant get the light fixture off yet.
water in junction box --- Nope.
Defective GFCI --- not sure but the outlet works.

 

[Mike_k]

Water inside the light fixture is one common cause.

My pool builder went through three Hayward light fixtures to find one that didn't leak. He told me the other day that he had another one leak at a new install.

ETA: The first time they were trouble shooting the issue they connected the wiring to an extension cord and plugged it in to a different circuit. It blew that circuit as well.

 

[H2Ocare]

I guess I have to figure out how to remove the light fixture from the niche. The screw will not budge. Any idea how to get it off while under water?

 

[jblizzle]

I want to verify you have the GFCI wired correctly It should be:

120V breaker hot -----> |GFCI Line| ; |GFCI Load| --->switch------> pool bulb live
120V neutral ---------> |GFCI Line| ; |GFCI Load| -----------------> pool bulb neutral
GROUND -------------->|----------|>----------------->pool bulb ground

The neutral has to pass through the GFCI outlet as well as the hot.

 

[H2Ocare]

I want to verify you have the GFCI wired correctly It should be:

120V breaker hot -----> |GFCI Line| ; |GFCI Load| --->switch------> pool bulb live
120V neutral ---------> |GFCI Line| ; |GFCI Load| -----------------> pool bulb neutral
GROUND -------------->|----------|>----------------->pool bulb ground

The neutral has to pass through the GFCI outlet as well as the hot.

Yes, I think it is. The connection at the top of the GFCI, normally covered with a red sticker.