Outdoor Hot Tub GFCI
#1
10-15-03, 07:11 AM
Outdoor Hot Tub GFCI
The GFCI breaker on my hot tub begins to regularly trip after about a month or 2 of replacing it, until finally it can be reset any longer. Once I put in a new breaker, it is fine again, and does not trip for 2 more months, then it begins again. Any sugestions, replacing these $100 breakers is getting crazy. Is it possible that there is a loose connection somewhere? I extended the run about a year ago by about 5 feet since I moved the hot tub, and added to the wiring inside junction boxes using the same wire with wire nuts.
Thanks -
Thanks -
#2
10-15-03, 07:39 AM
Member
With a GFCI breaker, it's hard to know whether it's tripping from overload or a ground fault. It could also be a thermal problem unrelated to either. So you have to consider all three possibilities. Are you sure it's the size breaker specified by the manufacturer? Is the wire connected to the breaker securely? Does the box sit in the hot sun? Are there any places where moisture could be getting into the wiring?
My first guess would be that the junction box you added to extend the wiring is getting moisture in it.
My first guess would be that the junction box you added to extend the wiring is getting moisture in it.
#3
10-16-03, 08:12 PM
Member
From tonypal22
Repeated tripping of a breaker can cause it to fail to reset.
It takes very little moisture to trip a GFCI. Foam seals are designed to seal out air, not moisture. You need to buy outdoor junction boxes.
If you have an opening in your panel front, you should close up for safety reasons. A filler plate is only a couple of bucks.
Thanks John for your reply-
First, the size of the breaker is what the electrician originally hooked up, and was suggested by the manufacturer, so I don't think I have a problem there.
I have the foam seals around the junction boxes, so I don't think I am getting moisture into those, but I'll check. There is a missing plate (the knockouts for the breakers) in the outside breaker box though. Could moisture be getting in there? (dew in the morning)
Also, would repeated tripping cause the breaker to stop being able to be reset. It goes into the on position fully, but doesn't feel that hard "click" when going into place usually, and it supplies no power.
First, the size of the breaker is what the electrician originally hooked up, and was suggested by the manufacturer, so I don't think I have a problem there.
I have the foam seals around the junction boxes, so I don't think I am getting moisture into those, but I'll check. There is a missing plate (the knockouts for the breakers) in the outside breaker box though. Could moisture be getting in there? (dew in the morning)
Also, would repeated tripping cause the breaker to stop being able to be reset. It goes into the on position fully, but doesn't feel that hard "click" when going into place usually, and it supplies no power.
It takes very little moisture to trip a GFCI. Foam seals are designed to seal out air, not moisture. You need to buy outdoor junction boxes.
If you have an opening in your panel front, you should close up for safety reasons. A filler plate is only a couple of bucks.
