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    CreativeNotHandy's Avatar
    CreativeNotHandy Posts: 35, Reputation: 1
    Junior Member
    		  
    #1

    Dec 21, 2008, 10:43 AM
    GFCI Outlet Keeps Tripping
    I have a GFCI outlet that keeps trippping. We've been in this house for years and have never had this problem. We don't have any additional appliances/lighting etc. running on this circuit or anywhere in the house for that matter.

    It keeps tripping after reset; sometimes immediately sometimes after several minutes or an hour.

    What could be causing this?:confused:
    ballengerb1's Avatar
    ballengerb1 Posts: 27,378, Reputation: 2280
    Home Repair & Remodeling Expert
    		  
    #2

    Dec 21, 2008, 11:07 AM

    GFCI units can go bad. They aren't terriubly expensive and keeping a spare is not the worst idea I have heard off. Kill the power to that circuit and install a new GFCI, does it trip too? Any chance of water getting onto this circuit like from a shower or sprinkler. What is protected by this GFCI?
    CreativeNotHandy's Avatar
    CreativeNotHandy Posts: 35, Reputation: 1
    Junior Member
    		  
    #3

    Dec 21, 2008, 11:15 AM

    It's on a bathroom outlet, but there are ceiling lights throughout the length of the house that share the circuit.
    This circuit is on main floor of a 1 story modular ranch so no water from a shower or sprinkler.
    There is a bad snow storm occurring now but I can't think how snow could get to the circuit.
    I will replace it when I can get out after the storm.
    Let me know if you think of anything else meanwhile. THANKS, Ballengerb1!
    EPMiller's Avatar
    EPMiller Posts: 624, Reputation: 37
    Senior Member
    		  
    #4

    Dec 21, 2008, 01:09 PM

    CNH,

    Just to second ballengerb1, those symptoms are ones I have seen several times in failing GFCI's.

    EPM
    irishdingbat42's Avatar
    irishdingbat42 Posts: 6, Reputation: 2
    New Member
    		  
    #5

    Dec 21, 2008, 01:29 PM

    Aluminium wiring a possibility? Or wires running though places they aren't supposed to? Some electricians aren't smart and may do what's easier as apposed to what's dictated by code, I had a aluminum to copper problem that put a huge black burn mark above a set of french doors we had... stupid electrician.. or maybe you ran a nail though the wiring by accident... check the wiring
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