GFCI Just Started to Constantly Trip

[CodyRVA]

I have had my system running through a small GFCI extension cord that is then plugged into my wall outlet. It's been running like this for some time, but recently the GFCI started to trip. When I try and reset it, it stays on for maybe 5 seconds and trips again, if I let it off for a half hour it'll run for maybe 20 min and then trip again. The only recent changes I've made is swapping a new DC pump on my Skimz skimmer. I do have a grounding probe on my system.

My question is:

1. What would cause the GFCI to trip? (not physically as in the likelihood it's this new pump, but from an electricians perspective what's causing it to constantly trip)
2. I removed the GFCI and plugged in directly to the wall and the system has been running fine for hours, is this safe?
3. Any other pointers or suggestions?

 

[pecan2phat]

Not an electrician here but I've had GFCI wall outlets go bad that would trip more then once. Once I change out the GFCI outlet with a new one, then it's fine.

 

[WVNed]

1. It has sensed a ground fault and is doing what it is supposed to or it has failed

2.There is no way for us to tell. Very possibly not safe.

3. You need a meter and some testing to tell. Not hard to do.

 

[pecan2phat]

Of course this is after you've determined that there is no leaking voltage from heaters and pumps causing the trip.

 

[CodyRVA]

Thanks for the input; I don't believe the wall outlet has a GFCI, this is why i added my own on the small extension.

1. If it has sensed a ground fault why would it work for say 30 min one time then shut off in seconds the next? Curious, not questioning your judgement

Does my grounding probe help the situation at all?

 

[Gareth elliott]

Thanks for the input; I don't believe the wall outlet has a GFCI, this is why i added my own on the small extension.

1. If it has sensed a ground fault why would it work for say 30 min one time then shut off in seconds the next? Curious, not questioning your judgement [emoji4]

Does my grounding probe help the situation at all?

A loose wire in an outlet, or a failing outlet on the circuit could cause this. I had a similar issue since i have an exterior outlet wired to my tank room. Left the housing open, let just enough water in to trip the gfci circuit randomly when dripping.

 

[Redleg]

That sounds like your GFCI has gone bad. I would replace the wall outlet with a GFCI with a built in alarm.

 

[CodyRVA]

That sounds like your GFCI has gone bad. I would replace the wall outlet with a GFCI with a built in alarm.

So, i'm starting to think the same... I just checked on the wires and everything is quite cool, the GFCI was warm when it was tripping. I rent, so this is another reason why I invested in an extension cord style GFCI.

FWIW I bought this GFCI on Amazon, anyone have any recommendations on a better quality product?

 

[Redleg]

IF your handy you can build your own. 12 gauge power cord,exterior electrical box, GFCI, and I would use a bubble cover to keep any splashes out.

 

[CodyRVA]

IF your handy you can build your own. 12 gauge power cord,exterior electrical box, GFCI, and I would use a bubble cover to keep any splashes out.

I do have an "outdoor" cover over the outlet, so I knew it wasn't getting wet per say

 

[CodyRVA]

Thanks for the input everyone, i'm going to snag a new GFCI and go from there

 

[alton]

All new GFCI's are auto/self testing, once it deems itself not fit to provide protection, it shuts it self down.

 

[Forsaken77]

I have had my system running through a small GFCI extension cord that is then plugged into my wall outlet. It's been running like this for some time, but recently the GFCI started to trip. When I try and reset it, it stays on for maybe 5 seconds and trips again, if I let it off for a half hour it'll run for maybe 20 min and then trip again. The only recent changes I've made is swapping a new DC pump on my Skimz skimmer. I do have a grounding probe on my system.

My question is:

1. What would cause the GFCI to trip? (not physically as in the likelihood it's this new pump, but from an electricians perspective what's causing it to constantly trip)
2. I removed the GFCI and plugged in directly to the wall and the system has been running fine for hours, is this safe?
3. Any other pointers or suggestions?

Some of the GFCI adapters, like the Yellow Jacket one, say in the fine print "not for continuous use." I don't know if yours is the same in that respect.

Also, have you added anything extra to the plugs? Maybe the draw is too high for the adapter?

 

[vetteguy53081]

unplug the skimmer and see if it still trips. If not, you've eliminated that component, then go on to the next component until you find culprit.
Could also be a short or faulty ground.
Cheapest bet is to start with the GFCI and change it. If you get the tripping yet, again start with disconnecting each component for several hours until you locate the culprit

 

[CodyRVA]

unplug the skimmer and see if it still trips. If not, you've eliminated that component, then go on to the next component until you find culprit.
Could also be a short or faulty ground.
Cheapest bet is to start with the GFCI and change it. If you get the tripping yet, again start with disconnecting each component for several hours until you locate the culprit

I did this, nothing seemed to make a difference. I've got a new GFCI on the way. If i end up with the same problem, then i clearly missed something causing the circuit to fail.

 

[CodyRVA]

Some of the GFCI adapters, like the Yellow Jacket one, say in the fine print "not for continuous use." I don't know if yours is the same in that respect.

Also, have you added anything extra to the plugs? Maybe the draw is too high for the adapter?

It's been running in the sam manner for about a year now. I tested without that new skimmer pump and it still shut off; nothing else has changed. Going to try a new GFCI and go from there.

 

[vetteguy53081]

I did this, nothing seemed to make a difference. I've got a new GFCI on the way. If i end up with the same problem, then i clearly missed something causing the circuit to fail.

when I had a similar past issue, it was one of my lights. T5 opposed to LED has a significant power draw on start up. Other culprit may be return pump especially if there is foreign matter such as chaeto, etc stuck in impeller hole causing it to work harder or become intermittent.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Me personally, with weekend approaching, I would buy a ground fault receptacle (in-wall) and shut down circuit to that outlet and remove regular receptacle and install new GFCI and reconnect wires the same , and restore power and you have a regular full time GFCI instead of portable. Should take you 5 minutes and worth it.

 

[Foothill Corals]

Thanks for the input; I don't believe the wall outlet has a GFCI, this is why i added my own on the small extension.

1. If it has sensed a ground fault why would it work for say 30 min one time then shut off in seconds the next? Curious, not questioning your judgement

Does my grounding probe help the situation at all?

This makes me wonder if it is your heater. Like has been suggested unplug one piece of equipment at a time until you find it.

 

[CodyRVA]

Me personally, with weekend approaching, I would buy a ground fault receptacle (in-wall) and shut down circuit to that outlet and remove regular receptacle and install new GFCI and reconnect wires the same , and restore power and you have a regular full time GFCI instead of portable. Should take you 5 minutes and worth it.

My tank sets right in front of the outlet so this would take hours, that's why I went with the extension cord style. My understanding is the extension cord GFCI is no different than an in wall, at least the kind I bought that is...?