GFI keeps tripping

[snagged in outlet 3]

4 minutes ago, tjm said:

Then I'd first replace the garage outlet with a new GFCI, my assumption is that one of the appliances tripped that enough times that it is now weak. Also,  because  it is acting as  an inline fuse with many feet of wire between it and the outside appliances it may be tripping when they are drawing less than 15A due to line voltage loss.  fe, a saw drawing ~12A may trip a 15A outlet if on a 50' drop cord and not if on a 25' drop cord.

So the extension cord could do that too right?   Because last year I had a different shorter cord on it no problem.  

[Devan S.]

The internal circuity of the pellet smoker is probably the culprit. Not privy to smoker electronic design but most electronic controlled devices have built in protection for surge events. This protection also makes them susceptible to current leakage which will trip a GFCI. 

 

 

[BilletHead]

29 minutes ago, snagged in outlet 3 said:

So the extension cord could do that too right?   Because last year I had a different shorter cord on it no problem.  

                    Yep, that can cause it also. Size of wire and length of extension cord go hand in hand.   Normally the GFI is made to protect people, but the long extension cord can sense some voltage leakage causing the GFI to trip. Been some good answers here. Try another GFI first or rule out each possible culprit in the circuit.  Answer is there just needing some investigative work. 

 

[Terrierman]

I do not like GFI breakers.  When they start tripping it's hard to know if the breaker is at fault or if there is a problem somewhere on the circuit and if so, where.

If this were my problem, the GFI breaker would be gone in favor of a regular breaker and GFI outlets where I felt they were needed.

[BilletHead]

3 minutes ago, Terrierman said:

I do not like GFI breakers.  When they start tripping it's hard to know if the breaker is at fault or if there is a problem somewhere on the circuit and if so, where.

If this were my problem, the GFI breaker would be gone in favor of a regular breaker and GFI outlets where I felt they were needed.

                 Yep,

  Thats what I have.  Bathroom, kitchen and front and back porches. Anywhere a damp condition can occur. I should do this in open garage also. Have a bunch in there. If it's worth doing it's worth doing right. I tend to overbuild. 

[Terrierman]

I'm looking on Amazon for a new electric heater for Pete's bathtub to help him test GFI.

[BilletHead]

3 minutes ago, Terrierman said:

I'm looking on Amazon for a new electric heater for Pete's bathtub to help him test GFI.

                    Call it lets test your GFI socket :).  Electrical roulette. 

[snagged in outlet 3]

1 hour ago, BilletHead said:

                    Yep, that can cause it also. Size of wire and length of extension cord go hand in hand.   Normally the GFI is made to protect people, but the long extension cord can sense some voltage leakage causing the GFI to trip. Been some good answers here. Try another GFI first or rule out each possible culprit in the circuit.  Answer is there just needing some investigative work. 

 

It’s the cord.   I’m pretty sure😆.  
I isolated everything one at a time.   It’s a 50’ long cheap Xmas light cord.   I have separate breakers for the bathrooms, the kitchen, the jacuzzi and the garage with the outdoor outlets on that circuit.   
@Terriermanwill be glad to hear the birds are happy.  

[snagged in outlet 3]

32 minutes ago, Terrierman said:

I do not like GFI breakers.  When they start tripping it's hard to know if the breaker is at fault or if there is a problem somewhere on the circuit and if so, where.

If this were my problem, the GFI breaker would be gone in favor of a regular breaker and GFI outlets where I felt they were needed.

If this continues I’ll do that.  Thx!!

[BilletHead]

1 minute ago, snagged in outlet 3 said:

It’s the cord.   I’m pretty sure😆.  
I isolated everything one at a time.   It’s a 50’ long cheap Xmas light cord.   I have separate breakers for the bathrooms, the kitchen, the jacuzzi and the garage with the outdoor outlets on that circuit.   
@Terriermanwill be glad to hear the birds are happy.  

                     Good catch,

  Besides light conductors causing faults there is the danger of melt downs of the wire and plug in areas. Many a home has caught fire from too much load. Then there is wear and tear on what you have on the end of that cord which needs the proper voltage to operate correctly.  this is where Ohms law comes in. 

   Ohm’s Law - Statement, Formula, Solved Examples, Verification, FAQs (byjus.com)

       Brings up memories of my previous life in the field.