For me, it makes sense to have any outside lighting, electric, and outlets GFCI protected. Putting in a GFCI breaker is a very wise choice. But that's just me.
I do a large 10,000 light display every year. 3 years ago, it snowed for the first time that year, and my display kept tripping out the 15a GFCI outlet on my porch. I eliminated the section of lights on the bank of power strips on the porch, and unplugged that cord/section. I reset the GFCI and lit up the rest of the display for that night. The next morning, I found the problematic cord where water entered the connection between a 3 way splitter and more cords. It had melted in between where water entered. If the GFCI did not trip, I probably would have had damage to the other cords, and possibly a small fire under my pine trees.
I now tape all connections with electrical tape tightly. $5 worth of tape and an extra hour worth of work is a nice feeling knowing the lights stay on brightly through the rain and snow, and that the wiring is safe and watertight for a holiday cheer around the neighborhood.
I do a large 10,000 light display every year. 3 years ago, it snowed for the first time that year, and my display kept tripping out the 15a GFCI outlet on my porch. I eliminated the section of lights on the bank of power strips on the porch, and unplugged that cord/section. I reset the GFCI and lit up the rest of the display for that night. The next morning, I found the problematic cord where water entered the connection between a 3 way splitter and more cords. It had melted in between where water entered. If the GFCI did not trip, I probably would have had damage to the other cords, and possibly a small fire under my pine trees.
I now tape all connections with electrical tape tightly. $5 worth of tape and an extra hour worth of work is a nice feeling knowing the lights stay on brightly through the rain and snow, and that the wiring is safe and watertight for a holiday cheer around the neighborhood.
