what would cause a gfci breaker to trip

апреля 08, 2022 Отправить комментарий

Since the expansion of the 2017 National Electrical Code (NEC) ground mistake circuit interrupter (GFCI) requirements to include unmarried-phase receptacles upwardly to 50A and three-phase receptacles up to 100A, we've seen a tendency of increased GFCI nuisance tripping. While these trips can be frustrating, it'due south important to non create a code violation or put personnel at risk by removing GFCI protection. Often, a tripping GFCI device may be operating properly; it's possible in that location is an equipment or wiring issue that needs to be addressed.

At Henderson Engineers, we've compiled the following data to help our clients empathize why they may be experiencing an issue and suggestions on how to address it.

What is GFCI protection?

GFCI devices take been credited with saving numerous lives since their introduction to the NEC in 1971. This protection can exist achieved via a GFCI circuit breaker or a GFCI receptacle. These devices reduce electrocution risks by measuring the electrical current between the stage usher and the neutral return. If the return current differs past more than than 4 to half-dozen mA, a dangerous amount of electric current is flowing somewhere information technology shouldn't be – so the device shuts off. Per the 2017 NEC, GFCI protection is required in bathrooms, kitchens, rooftops, outdoors, within half-dozen' of a sink, and select other areas.

The NEC commentary explains that they expanded GFCI requirements to include higher voltages and current ratings considering equipment continued to those receptacles present the same shock hazards as those of lower voltages and current ratings. Unfortunately, this expansion of the GFCI requirements has led to more nuisance tripping and owner's asking, "Why is my GFCI not working?"

Common Causes of GFCI Trips

1. There are too many appliances beingness protected by the GFCI.

Sometimes tripping occurs when a GFCI circuit breaker is protecting multiple downstream receptacles. If several appliances are connected to the GFCI device, the cumulative outcome of the appliance leakage currents may trip the GFCI. To ensure proper functioning, minimize the number of appliances protected by the GFCI. Depending on the circuit length from the GFCI sensing device, information technology may be necessary to limit the number of appliances beingness protected to one or two.

ii. The circuit is as well long for the equipment being protected past the GFCI.

This is mutual in GFCI circuit breakers with circuit lengths over 150'. Capacitive leakages due to the wire length of the circuitry may exceed the threshold of the GFCI. (The actual length limitations vary depending on wire type and size.) To forbid this upshot, place the GFCI device close to the equipment information technology volition be protecting – this may mean using a GFCI receptacle or blank confront GFCI device about a normal receptacle.

three. The GFCI was improperly wired by an electrician.

Accept the installation checked to see if the GFCI receptacle and related circuitry are installed correctly. Verify the neutral is dedicated and continued to the correct circuit, etc. While testing of GFCI devices is not generally included in the basic scope of commissioning services, having a trusted third-party electrician or commissioning agent provide contained verification of proper installation may be necessary.

4. The surface area is too wet.

If nuisance tripping is occurring in areas nearly dishwashing, mop sink, janitorial, ice machines, showers, walk-in coolers, exterior locations, roofs, and other areas with a lot of condensation, then too much wet may exist the cause. Check to see if there are any ecology or operational changes that tin be made to reduce moisture near the apparatus and receptacle. Installing a weatherproof cover plate at the receptacle may be helpful.

v. An appliance may have manufacturing defects.

It's possible an appliance may be leaking as well much current to ground. Appliances are allowed a certain corporeality of leakage current per their UL listings; acceptable maximums may exist equally high as .75mA per appliance. Unfortunately, some equipment may not be built to the same standards equally the prototype that passed testing. At present that more receptacles are required to accept GFCI protection, equipment issues may exist coming to light. If you lot have faulty equipment, contact the equipment supplier/manufacturer for repair or replacement.

6. The GFCI device may exist defective.

These devices don't last forever, and some are defective even when new. UL 943 covers Grade A GFCI devices. GFCI breakers and receptacles should exist replaced in accord with manufacturer's recommendations. Best practice is to test GFCIs monthly and replace them every five years.

Best Practices

GFCI devices trip for several reasons. The following best practices tin help ostend proper operation and reduce nuisance tripping.

Minimize the number of appliances protected by each GFCI.
Minimize the circuit length from the GFCI circuit breaker to the receptacle – a maximum conductor length of 150' is adept rule of thumb.
Verify GFCIs are installed per manufacturer'southward recommendations and as required per lawmaking.
Avoid excessive wet effectually appliances and receptacle.
Replace defective appliances.
Supplant defective or GFCI devices that are more than v years old.
Maintain easy admission to GFCI devices in case they need to exist reset. (The 2017 NEC requires GFCI receptacles to be "Readily Accessible." That ways one must be able to reach the device chop-chop, without having to use ladders or climbing over obstacles, like large stationary kitchen equipment. GFCI breakers or blank face GFCI devices are sometimes needed to meet this requirement.)

Although they can be frustrating, it'southward important to remember, GFCI devices have been proven to salve lives and are required by lawmaking. Proper application and maintenance of these devices is essential for personnel safety and smooth business operations. If you're experiencing GFCI issues our team tin help, contact united states for more data.