Reef Octopus NWB-110 Skimmer Pump Trips GFCI

[LarryS]

Seems odd as pump operates skimmer, but when plugged into GFCI protected circuit it trips the GFCI. I've tested the skimmer on three different GFCIs and it trips all three. But when plugged into a non-GFCI circuit the pump seems to operate just fine.

Skimmer and pump are about 3-years old and have been operating on a GFCI circuit since day-one - until now. As a workaround, I'm running the skimmer on a heavy duty extension cord to a non-GFCI circuit.

I'm hoping I can get some insight into this problem from Jeremy.

 

[Jeremy@CoralVue]

If the pump does not run on a GFCI, I would not suggest running it. First I would check to see if the power cord was compromised and that the impeller is not seized to the shaft which both are known to trip GFCI outlets.

 

[LarryS]

The impeller is not seized as the skimmer seems to function normally when it has power. There is nothing obvious electrical that I can see by visual inspection. the unit has been well cared for and has always been in use (except when being cleaned).

Has the OTP-1000 known to have electrical shorting issues?

 

[Jeremy@CoralVue]

No electrical issues outside of the ones I mentioned. The OTP 1000 has been retired and replaced with the Aquatrance 1000s several years ago. Between the two pumps the Aquatrance is overall a nicer pump in performance and efficiency.