GFCI tripping intermittently
#1
GFCI tripping intermittently
I bought and installed an Orbit outdoor water proof box for mounting my lawn sprinkler controller. The box containes a GFCI outlet in which I plug in a small transformer 120VAC to 24VAC @ 750 ma output. This 24VAC runs the sprinkler zones. For the last 2 months, I have noticed that it has become nonresponsive (checking with my desktop and phone) to the WiFI sign in. The 15 amp GFCI has tripped and I don't know why, perhaps it is just a bad GFCI outlet?? Since the transformer only has 2 pins (no ground pin) not sure what might be causing this. Suggestions appreciated. Tx Mike
#2
Group Moderator
A GFCI works by monitoring the power going out on the hot and coming back on the neutral. If those two are in balance then all the electricity is going where it should. If the two currents don't match then the GFCI trips because the electricity has found another path to ground somewhere. It doesn't rely on the protected device to have a three prong outlet.
GFCI are cheap. I would give the wiring a looking over for any potential signs of problems like knicked insulation or if things are getting wet. If you don't find any wiring problems I'd swap out the GFCI and see if that takes care of it. Outdoor installations can be difficult. GFCI's are very sensitive and it doesn't take much current leakage to cause them to trip. Even something like a dirt or dust layer getting damp can conduct enough electricity to cause a trip.
GFCI are cheap. I would give the wiring a looking over for any potential signs of problems like knicked insulation or if things are getting wet. If you don't find any wiring problems I'd swap out the GFCI and see if that takes care of it. Outdoor installations can be difficult. GFCI's are very sensitive and it doesn't take much current leakage to cause them to trip. Even something like a dirt or dust layer getting damp can conduct enough electricity to cause a trip.
#4
Checking the wiring is an almost impossible task since it is 12-18" underground. The cable itself has an insulated shell that contains 7 wires inside. The best I could do is to "visit" each solenoid valve and have a look. Still cannot get it in my mind about ground leakage. I understand if it were on the 120VAC side but any leakage being fed back to that side from/thru a step down transformer (solenoid side wiring) is the part I am thinking about.
I have a 5 zone system, three solenoids are visible, the other two remain a mystery. Been looking for them since the house was built in 2001. :-( All 5 function so not a priority at the moment. Went to Lowe's this AM and got another GFCI and will monitor from there. Tx
I have a 5 zone system, three solenoids are visible, the other two remain a mystery. Been looking for them since the house was built in 2001. :-( All 5 function so not a priority at the moment. Went to Lowe's this AM and got another GFCI and will monitor from there. Tx
#6
Emailed Orbit (the box maker) and after a short back and forth, they will be sending me a new GFCI
Tx Tolyn, that is where my thinking is also.
Tx Tolyn, that is where my thinking is also.
#7
Orbit sent me a new GFCI, it has been installed almost 2 months and so far (knock, knock) no problems