Gfci
#1
05-14-09, 10:02 AM
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Gfci
Should a Washing Machine have a GFCI outlet? I installed one the other day and now it's tripping. I know it's wired correctly, maybe I have a bad GFCI.
Thanks,
Brian
Thanks,
Brian
#5
05-14-09, 10:24 AM
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OK Thanks,
I'll change the GFCI and if it trips again I'll call repair. I thought of something, is a washing machine supposed to have an external ground (chassis to water pipe), or is this a thing of the past? I seem to remember seeing a ground wire on some machines.
Brian
I'll change the GFCI and if it trips again I'll call repair. I thought of something, is a washing machine supposed to have an external ground (chassis to water pipe), or is this a thing of the past? I seem to remember seeing a ground wire on some machines.
Brian
#8
05-14-09, 10:59 AM
According to Section 210.8 of the NEC, a GFCI is only required for this outlet if it is within 6 feet of a sink. I suspect the motor could be leaking a small amount of current to ground. Not really a safety issue if the grounding is done correctly at the machine, but it could indicate the motor might fail soon.
If the GFCI is not required, I would replace it with a normal outlet.
If the GFCI is not required, I would replace it with a normal outlet.
#9
05-14-09, 11:11 AM
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It could very well be the motor. It trips at the point when the machine is done filling up with water and the motor kicks in. This happens on every cycle (rinse, spin, etc.). When it's filling or agitating, it works fine. So it seems when there's a sudden current draw, it will trip. The washer is on a 20amp dedicated circuit.
Brian
Brian
