what would cause a gfci breaker to trip
Since the expansion of the 2017 National Electric Code (NEC) ground error circuit interrupter (GFCI) requirements to include single-phase receptacles up to 50A and three-phase receptacles up to 100A, we've seen a trend of increased GFCI nuisance tripping. While these trips can be frustrating, it's important to non create a code violation or put personnel at take chances by removing GFCI protection. Oft, a tripping GFCI device may be operating properly; information technology'southward possible at that place is an equipment or wiring outcome that needs to be addressed.
At Henderson Engineers, we've compiled the following information to assistance our clients understand why they may be experiencing an issue and suggestions on how to address it.
What is GFCI protection?
GFCI devices have been credited with saving numerous lives since their introduction to the NEC in 1971. This protection can be accomplished via a GFCI excursion breaker or a GFCI receptacle. These devices reduce electrocution risks by measuring the electrical electric current between the phase conductor and the neutral render. If the return current differs by more than four to 6 mA, a dangerous corporeality 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 six' of a sink, and select other areas.
The NEC commentary explains that they expanded GFCI requirements to include higher voltages and electric current ratings because equipment continued to those receptacles nowadays the same shock hazards equally those of lower voltages and current ratings. Unfortunately, this expansion of the GFCI requirements has led to more than nuisance tripping and owner'due south asking, "Why is my GFCI not working?"
Mutual Causes of GFCI Trips
one. In that location are as well many appliances being 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 upshot of the apparatus leakage currents may trip the GFCI. To ensure proper operation, minimize the number of appliances protected by the GFCI. Depending on the circuit length from the GFCI sensing device, it may exist necessary to limit the number of appliances being protected to one or two.
2. The excursion is too long for the equipment being protected by the GFCI.
This is common 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 prevent this issue, identify the GFCI device close to the equipment it will exist protecting – this may mean using a GFCI receptacle or blank face GFCI device well-nigh a normal receptacle.
3. The GFCI was improperly wired by an electrician.
Have the installation checked to see if the GFCI receptacle and related circuitry are installed correctly. Verify the neutral is dedicated and connected 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-political party electrician or commissioning agent provide independent verification of proper installation may be necessary.
4. The area is too moisture.
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 besides much wet may be the crusade. Check to see if there are any environmental or operational changes that tin can exist made to reduce wet virtually the appliance and receptacle. Installing a weatherproof comprehend plate at the receptacle may be helpful.
5. An appliance may have manufacturing defects.
It's possible an appliance may be leaking also much current to ground. Appliances are allowed a certain corporeality of leakage current per their UL listings; acceptable maximums may be as high every bit .75mA per apparatus. Unfortunately, some equipment may not be built to the aforementioned standards as the paradigm that passed testing. Now that more than receptacles are required to accept GFCI protection, equipment bug may be coming to light. If you have faulty equipment, contact the equipment supplier/manufacturer for repair or replacement.
6. The GFCI device may be defective.
These devices don't terminal forever, and some are defective even when new. UL 943 covers Class A GFCI devices. GFCI breakers and receptacles should be replaced in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations. Best practice is to exam GFCIs monthly and replace them every 5 years.
Best Practices
GFCI devices trip for several reasons. The post-obit best practices can assistance ostend proper operation and reduce nuisance tripping.
- Minimize the number of appliances protected past each GFCI.
- Minimize the excursion length from the GFCI circuit breaker to the receptacle – a maximum conductor length of 150' is good rule of pollex.
- Verify GFCIs are installed per manufacturer's recommendations and every bit required per code.
- Avoid excessive wet around appliances and receptacle.
- Replace defective appliances.
- Replace defective or GFCI devices that are more than five years quondam.
- Maintain easy admission to GFCI devices in case they need to be reset. (The 2017 NEC requires GFCI receptacles to be "Readily Accessible." That ways one must be able to reach the device quickly, without having to use ladders or climbing over obstacles, similar large stationary kitchen equipment. GFCI breakers or blank face GFCI devices are sometimes needed to see this requirement.)
Although they tin be frustrating, it'south important to recollect, GFCI devices accept been proven to salvage lives and are required by code. Proper application and maintenance of these devices is essential for personnel safety and polish business operations. If you're experiencing GFCI issues our team can assist, contact us for more information.
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Source: https://www.hendersonengineers.com/insight_article/understanding-gfci-nuisances/
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