GFCI downstream protection

Cossack · 03-20-2008, 09:43 PM

In another thread and in an electrical book I read that a GFCI outlet can protect regular outlets downstream. Does this mean the other outlets may have "nuisance trips" too? Will the other outlets also protect me from being electrocuted? If a trip occurs on one of these other outlets do I just reset the GFCI outlet?

Thanks.

bwinters12 · 03-20-2008, 09:57 PM

Yes the downstream receptacles will protect just like any other GFI will. It is a more cost effective way to have gfi protection. As stated in the other thread you would want to be smart about it so you are not running around your house trying to find the gfi that tripped

chris75 · 03-21-2008, 12:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cossack

. Does this mean the other outlets may have "nuisance trips" too?

Thanks.

No such thing as a nuisance trip, unless possibly saving your life is a nuisance?

Andy in ATL · 03-21-2008, 12:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chris75

No such thing as a nuisance trip, unless possibly saving your life is a nuisance?

Agreed and well said. There are a couple of options...Either you have a defective GFCI, or you have a situation where that little $8 device is doing its job.

Andy not in MO but in the ATL

goose134 · 03-21-2008, 09:47 PM

While I agree in principle that the trip is a life saver, you can have nuisance trips. I wired heat trace in a freezer condensate that had a GFI protection device, and then plugged that into a GFI outlet. Would not stay on until we removed the cord GFI device. GFI outlet remained and was fine.

fw2007 · 03-22-2008, 04:23 PM

My treadmill was plugged into a GFCI receptacle, and it tripped the GFCI while I was trying to ramp it up to 12mph. I suspect a noise spike generated by the treadmill's motor or motor drive circuit. I have since changed the treadmill to a standard receptacle.

I have another GFCI in the kitchen that has tripped out a couple of times. I have been watching the situation, and checked all connections. Maybe a "nuisance" trip, but perhaps a problem with one of the appliances connected to it.

IMO, GFCI's are susceptible to spikes on the line which are not related to stray currents.
It's the nature of the beast, but a very small price to pay for the protection.

FW

jbfan · 03-22-2008, 09:52 PM

If you read the treadmills directions, most of them state not to use on a gfci.

fw2007 · 03-23-2008, 09:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jbfan

If you read the treadmills directions, most of them state not to use on a gfci.

True. It was just the only receptacle close enough to the TM so that I wouldn't need an extension. The only other one that was in the vicinity was on the same breaker as the AC upstairs, and that was wreaking havoc. I am in the process of rewiring some of those circuits.

FW