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View Full Version : How to determine amperage maximum on a GFIC


J3104S
Jun 15, 2010, 02:20 PM
How can I determine the load a GFCI will handle before tripping? I have an outside outlet which is connected to the GFCI in the bathroom and I want to plug in the outside outlet a room A/C which draws 8.8 amps. Will it work or will it trip the GFCI?

hvac1000
Jun 15, 2010, 03:20 PM
That should work as long as there are no other devices on the same circuit that will push the current draw past the maximum amount limit of the circuit breaker/wire size. In other words if you have a TV or lighting circuits on that same circuit then there could be a problem.

BTW most GFCI circuits are 15 OR 20 amp. Rate located on the device itself.

J3104S
Jun 15, 2010, 03:35 PM
That should work as long as there are no other devices on the same circuit that will push the current draw past the maximum amount limit of the circuit breaker/wire size. In other words if you have a TV or lighting circuits on that same circuit then there could be a problem.

BTW most GFCI circuits are 15 OR 20 amp. Rate located on the device itself.

What about a hair dryer being used in the bathroom?

hvac1000
Jun 16, 2010, 06:40 AM
What about a hair dryer being used in the bathroom?

You will need to calculate the hair dryer current draw to see if it will overload the circuit since another item is already being powered from the same circuit. My crystal ball is in the shop for repairs again so I cannot tell from here how much current in total is being used by that circuit.