PDA

View Full Version : Tripping GFCI outlet


bidwin
Mar 8, 2014, 07:05 PM
I've got a weird situation. I have a garage door opener plugged into a gfci outlet that's on a circuit with no other outlets downstream of it. That is, only 3 wires are in the box, connected to the GFCI outlet. Kitchen lights, a laundry room light, garage lights (4 fluorescent 40W tubes in 2 fixtures), and outdoor lights are also on the circuit. I don't have a circuit tracer (too much $$) so I don't know how the circuit is run. Here's my problem: When the garage lights are turned off the garage door opener GFCI outlet occasionally trips. The opener is not running. The tripping is very sporadic. I talked to both the opener and GFCI outlet manufacturers but they have no clue about why this is happening. Anyone out there ever experience this? BTW, I replaced the opener's outlet with a new one - still trips.
Thanks,
Bill

HowHardCanItBe
Mar 26, 2014, 09:29 PM
If your switch is old and is arcing when switched, that might do it--try replacing.

Also, some places have exception allowing dedicated outlet on ceiling to not require being GFCI outlet--but find out before changing.