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GFCI Devices Nuisance Tripping
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Author:  Jim Phillips (brainfiller) [ Sun Jul 22, 2012 6:03 am ]
Post subject:  GFCI Devices Nuisance Tripping

Class A ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) are designed for the protection of personnel. NFPA 70E addresses GFCI requirements in more detail with the 2012 Edition.
This week's question:

Have you ever experienced nuisance tripping from a GFCI device?
  • Yes
  • No

Author:  JBD [ Sun Jul 22, 2012 9:05 am ]
Post subject: 

Do you mean it was a nuisance that the GFCI did its job, or the reason for the GFCI trip was never determined?

Author:  Jim Phillips (brainfiller) [ Sun Jul 22, 2012 4:27 pm ]
Post subject: 

JBD wrote:
Do you mean it was a nuisance that the GFCI did its job, or the reason for the GFCI trip was never determined?


Thanks JBD - I believe I need to clarify this a bit more. I meant nuisance tripping from normal operations such as starting a device like a saw, hair dryer etc. i.e. as you stated, the reason was never determined.

Sometimes when a motor operated device is on a GFCI circuit, the initial magnetizing current during starting (not the locked rotor current) can cause the GFCI to see enough of an unbalance that it nuisance trips. I have had several nuisance trips over the years with power tools on a GFCI circuit tripping. It is not a common occurrence but it does happen.

Author:  Vincent B. [ Mon Jul 23, 2012 5:22 am ]
Post subject: 

Beard trimmer in my bathroom.
Haven't felt any shock, so reset the GFCI and restarted the trimmer without any other incident.

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