I installed a GFCI receptacle outside (in a suitable waterproof box). I'm reasonably sure the installation is water tight. Furthermore, I have experienced tripping problems when it hasn't rained for a long time. I'm wondering if these tripping problems are "normal" or if they indicate the existence of a wiring fault of some kind.
I noticed that when I used my hand drill, I would frequently find that when I went to start the drill, the GFCI had tripped (presumably right when I stopped drilling last). I would reset it and then I could proceed to drill. Is this normal behavior for a GFCI, perhaps one that is very sensitive? I've used a drill in a GFCI in the bathroom without having this problem.
The second problem device is a charcoal grill starter. This thing is a resistive heating element on a handle. We were trying to start the charcoal and it kept tripping so we ended up having to return to the old method: extension cord to an indoor (non-GFCI protected) receptacle. The heating element might have been in contact with the metal grill body. Could current have been sneaking to ground from the heating element through the body of the grill (which was resting on a concrete pad)? This would presumably constitute a ground fault and would explain why the GFCI was tripping.
So is my GFCI working normally?