Lights Tripping GFCI Problem

[craiga]

i did a little more testing and found that the problem only occurs in the pool light circuit and not in the spa light curcuit (there are seperate relays for each). Also, the pool light curcuit only trips the GFCI when the lights are on at 100%. Anything dimmer (75% and lower) does not trip. Any thoughts?

[JohnT]

Are the relays the same so you could try swapping them? I'd guess you're on the right track, but swapping them could prove it.

[craiga]

John:
Yes they are the same. Good idea; I'll swap them and see what happens. Thanks for your reply.

[craiga]

Swapped them and no change. I guess that rules out the dimmer relay. Shouldn't there be a junction box somewhere between the light and the panel? I have never seen/noticed one.

[JohnT]

Swapped them and no change. I guess that rules out the dimmer relay. Shouldn't there be a junction box somewhere between the light and the panel? I have never seen/noticed one.

There's often a box behind the light above the ground about 12". Interesting (and I'm sure aggravating) problem. Does anything else share this circuit, particularly after the GFCI?

[craiga]

John; i couldn't find a junction box and finally called the builder and was told there is not one. Nothing else on that circuit except the pool lights, which are two (500 watt) lights. I threw in the towel and placed a service call to the builder's electrician to come look at it. i'll let you know the results.

[craiga]

Well, pool repair guy came out and said there is a small amount of water inside the light assembly. Dosen't know if the gasket is leaking or the assembly is cracked. Reccomends replacing entire assemly instead of just the bulb (which would come with a new gasket). Said the reason it only tripped on 100% was because any other setting did not draw enough amps to trip the gfci. Just thought this info might be helpful to someone else with a similar problem.