By Barry Stone
Dear Barry,
I recently purchased a home and am having problems with the electrical outlet at the laundry. The clothes dryer keeps popping the GFCI breaker. This was never mentioned by our home inspector. What could be causing this, and what is the solution?
--Suzanne
Dear Suzanne,
Before addressing the GFCI problem at your laundry, a little background information would be helpful. GFCI outlets (ground fault circuit interrupters) are required in locations where persons using electrical devices might be exposed to water. Commonly, we find them in bathrooms, kitchens, garages, exterior locations, at sinks, and near pools and spas. Most people have seen GFCI outlets (the ones with the test and reset buttons between the plug-in receptacles), but many are not aware of their purpose. In the event that someone receives an electric shock while using a GFCI-protected device, the GFCI senses the imbalance in current flow and immediately disconnects the circuit. In other words, GFCIs prevent accidental electrocution.
Outlets for laundry appliances are exempt from GFCI requirements because electric motors can cause needless tripping of GFCI outlets. This may be what is occurring when you operate your clothes dryer. Have this checked by a licensed electrical contractor. The simplest solution is to replace the outlet with a standard non-GFCI fixture. You home inspector may have neglected to disclose this condition because it does not violate any requirements or safety standards.
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