Flat screen tv causes gfi to trip

SS396 · 11-23-2009, 09:35 AM

Hi, we bought a new flat screen tv a few years ago. I installed a new circuit for it and used a gfi outlet. It is a dry location and maybe overkill but i had an extra gfi anyway.
Every now and then we are watching tv and you will hear a snap sound and the gfi will trip. Reset the gfi and everything is fine for a while. I actually put up with this for a long time and then we dicided to replace the tv with a larger one. To my surprise the gfi tripped with the new tv. I have never heard that a gfi for a tv would cause nuisance tripping of the gfi. Has anyone else heard of this, or do you think the gfi is bad?

Billy_Bob · 11-23-2009, 01:48 PM

There may be built in power surge protection or you may have this on a power surge strip.

Surge protection works by shunting the power to ground in the case of a power surge. This could trip the GFCI.

And power surges may happen every once and a while on a regular basis. You wouldn't even notice it.

GFCI's are intended to protect people from being electrocuted. This would be from hand held appliances, tools, etc. Or power cords. Or things in wet areas.

I would advise you to use a regular outlet for the TV as you are not handling it and I would not see a shock hazard with regular use.

Yoyizit · 11-23-2009, 02:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Billy_Bob

There may be built in power surge protection or you may have this on a power surge strip.

Surge protection works by shunting the power to ground in the case of a power surge. This could trip the GFCI.

And power surges may happen every once and a while on a regular basis. You wouldn't even notice it.

GFCI's are intended to protect people from being electrocuted. This would be from hand held appliances, tools, etc. Or power cords. Or things in wet areas.

I would advise you to use a regular outlet for the TV as you are not handling it and I would not see a shock hazard with regular use.

Ditto.