2/19/2024 0 Comments Faceless gfci receptacle with ctDepending on the circuit length from the GFCI sensing device, it may be necessary to limit the number of appliances being protected to one or two.Ģ. If several appliances are connected to the GFCI device, the cumulative effect of the appliance leakage currents may trip the GFCI. To ensure proper operation, minimize the number of appliances protected by the GFCI. Sometimes tripping occurs when a GFCI circuit breaker is protecting multiple downstream receptacles. There are too many appliances being protected by the GFCI. Unfortunately, this expansion of the GFCI requirements has led to more nuisance tripping and owner’s asking, “Why is my GFCI not working?”ġ. The NEC commentary explains that they expanded GFCI requirements to include higher voltages and current ratings because equipment connected to those receptacles present the same shock hazards as those of lower voltages and current ratings. Per the 2017 NEC, GFCI protection is required in bathrooms, kitchens, rooftops, outdoors, within 6’ of a sink, and select other areas. If the return current differs by more than 4 to 6 mA, a dangerous amount of current is flowing somewhere it shouldn’t be – so the device shuts off. These devices reduce electrocution risks by measuring the electrical current between the phase conductor and the neutral return. This protection can be achieved via a GFCI circuit breaker or a GFCI receptacle. GFCI devices have been credited with saving numerous lives since their introduction to the NEC in 1971. Often, a tripping GFCI device may be operating properly it’s possible there is an equipment or wiring issue that needs to be addressed.Īt Henderson Engineers, we’ve compiled the following information to help our clients understand why they may be experiencing an issue and suggestions on how to address it. While these trips can be frustrating, it’s important to not create a code violation or put personnel at risk by removing GFCI protection. Since the expansion of the 2017 National Electrical Code (NEC) ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) requirements to include single-phase receptacles up to 50A and three-phase receptacles up to 100A, we’ve seen a trend of increased GFCI nuisance tripping.
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