GFCI breaker keeps tripping

3259 Views 10 Replies 4 Participants Last post by Fix'n it, Mar 15, 2016

DarkFlames

Discussion Starter · Mar 13, 2016

Hello all,

I have a circuit with a 15 A GFCI breaker that powers a single outdoor receptacle. I have been trying to run a small pump (2.2 A) and the breaker would keep tripping. I elected to replace the receptacle and cover since both looked worn out. The replacement would also allow me to look at the wires. The wires all looked good. With the new receptacle wired in and the pump plugged in, the breaker will trip after a few seconds of being energized.

Testing the receptacle with various loads, I noticed that 2-prong appliances work fine. Even the power-hungry 1875 W blow dryer. As soon as I plug a 3-prong cord, the breaker trips.

Something is not working with the ground? How can the problem be further diagnosed and fixed?

Thanks much.

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Fix'n it

· #7 · Mar 14, 2016

now that the issue is resolved. i am going to jack this thread, kinda.

Oso954 said:
The GFCI doesn't trip on overcurrent, it trips on current leakage.

could you please explain this in a little more detail ? the leakage part.

i have an outdoor gfci. and many times it trips when something, even just a good extension cord, is plugged in. once reset all works fine.
i did replace the receptical and same thing.

thanx

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Fix'n it

· #11 · Mar 15, 2016

thanx guys. i think i get it now.

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