Should Outdoor GFCIs Trip on Nearby Lightning Strikes?

[Diggin It]

May be one of those stupid questions most people should know, but ....

On occasion, one or more of my outdoor GFCIs will trip out if lightning if close enough to be quick and loud, but not really nearby enough to be damaging. Almost like it's from the sound alone, but that wouldn't make sense. I have about 5 or 6 and it's usually only one that does it and not always the same one. None of the indoor ones trip.

I know they age, but it doesn't seem to matter if it's one of the newer ones or not.

I also have a couple that seem to trip on power blinks when power goes down for only a few seconds, then restores.

They're all wired properly and test normal with those plug in testers.

 

[seville009]

According to a Google search, it can be tripped that way……evidently quite common/normal - interesting. Never had it happen to me though.

 

[Yander]

Those things are made to trip when a certain variance of amperage is indicated between the two sides of the circuit. They are often VERY sensitive and depending on what is plugged into them I could possibly see lightening passing enough stray current through the air to affect one.

Does it trip them when there isn't anything plugged into them?

 

[Diggin It]

Does it trip them when there isn't anything plugged into them?

Yes, BUT, there is a downstream hardwired circuit to another outlet on most of them.

 

[workinonit]

When you say outdoor GFI are you referring to the receptacles or a GFI circuit on a GFI breaker? I'm sure they do that and it's probably common but they really shouldn't do that. Unless of course there is an actual lightening intervention. Thart's why I don't use the GFI receptacles.

 

[woody]

is the GFCI physically out doors or is it in doors with an outside plug down stream?

 

[tacticalturnip]

Hmmm, not something I'd ever given any thought to, but now that little nugget is stored away for a rainy day.

 

[5030]

I run solid state surge arresters on my outside dusk to dawn LED floodlights and on occasion nearby lightning strikes have cooked them.

 

[hube2]

Yes, close lightning hits can cause this. I also have smoke/CO2 detectors wired into the house and I've also had close lightning hits set them off, always a fun time in the middle of the night. This is why I have surge protectors for anything important. It could have something to do with how well, or not, and in what direction the ground conducts the surge away from the hit. I know it happens in my area a lot for me and several of my neighbors. Eventually you'll end up replacing those GFI outlets. Strangely enough though, this does not seem to affect the circuits in my house that are on GFI breakers.

 

[Diggin It]

When you say outdoor GFI are you referring to the receptacles or a GFI circuit on a GFI breaker?

is the GFCI physically out doors or is it in doors with an outside plug down stream?

Receptacles mounted outdoors in gray w/p boxes with In-Use covers. The one that tripped most recently is under an awning and about 6' above ground, so even further removed from moisture.