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    gs1211's Avatar
    gs1211 Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    Mar 9, 2010, 02:36 AM
    Why is my new washer keeps tripping new GFCI?
    I purchased a my washer and dryer. Plugged in both. Dryer works great, washer will trip its gcfi after a few seconds of being started. Both outlets are gfci protected, both are wired with 12 gauge wire into a 20 amp breaker. Plug the washer into a separate non-gfci outlet and washer works fine. Can the gfci be weak, bad or should I run a separate circuit for the washer?
    tkrussell's Avatar
    tkrussell Posts: 9,659, Reputation: 725
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    #2

    Mar 9, 2010, 03:51 AM
    Could be a defective GFI, or could be just a fault in the machine. A washer does not need GFI protection. I assume the dryer is gas?
    denman's Avatar
    denman Posts: 48, Reputation: 2
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    #3

    Mar 10, 2010, 04:45 PM

    Remove the GFCI, not necessary. The motor surge at start up will sometimes trip GFCI.
    stanfortyman's Avatar
    stanfortyman Posts: 5,598, Reputation: 279
    Electrical & Lighting Expert
    		  
    #4

    Mar 10, 2010, 05:14 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by denman View Post
    Remove the GFCI, not necessary.
    Are you sure about this? What if it is within 6' of a laundry sink?
    Missouri Bound's Avatar
    Missouri Bound Posts: 1,532, Reputation: 94
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    #5

    Mar 11, 2010, 10:04 PM
    Doesn't that 6' rule apply to countertop outlets?
    stanfortyman's Avatar
    stanfortyman Posts: 5,598, Reputation: 279
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    #6

    Mar 12, 2010, 04:29 AM
    Quote Originally Posted by Missouri Bound View Post
    Doesn't that 6' rule apply to countertop outlets?
    Not for a long time in kitchens, and in laundry areas there is no counter top reference. Just 6', period.

    That's why denman's advice is kind of dangerous.
    tkrussell's Avatar
    tkrussell Posts: 9,659, Reputation: 725
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    #7

    Mar 12, 2010, 06:26 AM
    Stan is correct.

    While a washer does not need GFI normally, it must have GFI protection if it happens to be within six foot of any sink.

    Some input from gs1211 would be great.
    denman's Avatar
    denman Posts: 48, Reputation: 2
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    #8

    Mar 12, 2010, 06:46 AM

    Sorry about answering without clarifiying washer basin location. You know what they say about assuming.
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