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    nkrikorian's Avatar
    nkrikorian Posts: 3, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    Jun 5, 2006, 09:03 AM
    Gfci popping now?
    OK I have a fridge and a freezer in basement plugged into an outlet that's connected to a 20 amp gfci receptacle in the garage wired to a 15 amp breaker in fuse panel. It's been this way for 15 years without problem..
    Now gfci pops. I unplugged the freezer (about 5 years old) and everything works fine. I ran an extension cord for freezer to a different outlet on a 20 amp breaker and it runs fine. I unplugged fridge from outlet and tried to put the freezer alone on outlet and it pops gfci. I replaced gfci with new 20 amp gfci and replaced outlet and still no help. Only other thing on this circuit I can see is 2 lightbulbs in garage overhead next to door openers.
    Maybe a loose ground wire in one of those light sockets I'm thinking.
    Anybody have any other ideas? And yes I know the 20 amp circuit going into the 15 amp breaker is not a great idea but I just replaced what was there.
    tkrussell's Avatar
    tkrussell Posts: 9,659, Reputation: 725
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    #2

    Jun 5, 2006, 03:49 PM
    This is why refrigeration is not required by any code to be on Ground Fault devices.

    All refrigeration units are susceptible to producing fault currents, just a normal event with the compressors.

    But very important that the regular receptacle be grounded properly, as should every outlet in a building.

    Only all other general purpose receptacles in basements, utility rooms, and garages need to be GFI.

    Those not for equipment, such as furnaces, sump pumps, and garage door openers , and refrigerators and lights never need to be GFI protected.
    nkrikorian's Avatar
    nkrikorian Posts: 3, Reputation: 1
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    #3

    Jun 6, 2006, 04:22 AM
    So should I add 2 new outlets each on it's own 15 amp breaker without any gfci in between and call it a day?
    tkrussell's Avatar
    tkrussell Posts: 9,659, Reputation: 725
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    #4

    Jun 6, 2006, 06:50 AM
    Yes if the outlets are for the appliances.
    nkrikorian's Avatar
    nkrikorian Posts: 3, Reputation: 1
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    #5

    Jun 6, 2006, 06:57 AM
    Quote Originally Posted by tkrussell
    Yes if the outlets are for the appliances.
    Got it, thanks!
    Stratmando's Avatar
    Stratmando Posts: 11,188, Reputation: 508
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    #6

    May 15, 2007, 10:29 AM
    I would use #12 and 20 amp breakers(one for frige and one for freezer).
    If recpticle is near panel or you can get wires to panel,Break tab off hot side of recpticle,
    Connect Black to top half, Red(or another black?)to bottom half, Install breakers next to each other and verify on opposite phase.
    I do this in kitchens, so coffee maker, Fryer,any or all can be used without fear of overloading or tripping breaker.
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