FAQs
The receptacles on the exterior of your home are GFI protected. Normally the GFI that controls the exterior receptacles is located in the garage or at the front door exterior. Carefully check all of your GFIs and reset them as there may be more than one. Be sure to check thoroughly as the receptacle may be hidden by something stacked in front of it.
The recessed cans are equipped with thermal heat sensors and if they get too hot, they automatically shut off. This is a safety feature. Normally, we find the problem to be insulation around the can of the recessed light in the attic. If the insulation is moved away from the recessed can, it usually will fix the problem.
If your flood lights are wired to a switch and equipped with an override feature, you can turn the switch to the off position then immediately back on. This overrides the motion sensor and allows you to keep the lights on. If you want to reactivate the motion sensor, simply turn the switch off for a few minutes and turn it back on. They will reset to operate on the motion sensor.
There are several types of surge protection devices available to help protect you against power surges. Depending on the type of electrical panel you have, some manufacturers offer a breaker that installs in your electrical panel to protect the circuits in your panel. There is also a whole house surge protection system that covers your phones & TVs in addition to the circuits in your panel. In addition, many of the power companies offer surge protection for an additional monthly charge.
Some of the older electrical panels are no longer manufactured so obtaining a new breaker if needed can be difficult and very expensive. Updating to new equipment allows you to have the most up to date technology and safety features. Additionally, replacement parts are more readily available should they be needed. Keep in mind that your insurance company may offer you a discount for doing a panel change as well.
It sounds like your circuit may be overloaded. The outside receptacles are not designed to hold a constant load. A lot of people will add a dedicated circuit for their holiday decorations to avoid this type of nuisance tripping. Consider adding receptacles at the soffitt if you hang holiday lights on the house as well. A switch or scheduled timer can even be added so you can easily turn them on and off each night without having to go outside and unplug the lights and/or decorations.
