GFCI receptacle


  #1  
Old 06-02-01, 02:38 PM
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GFCI receptacle in bathroom keeps cutting off the power to all outlets that are on its circuit. Test button seems to work but after the power is on for several seconds the switch pops back in and the power goes out.
 
  #2  
Old 06-02-01, 04:55 PM
J
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Two possibilities:
(1) You have a real ground fault. Unplug everything and turn off all lights on the circuit. Does it still trip? If not, turn on things one by one until something trips it.
(2) Your GFCI outlet has gone bad. It'll only cost you $8 to replace it (or $100 to replace it if you don't remember how you disconnected the old one and need to call an electrician to sort it out).

Post back and let us know what you find out.
 
  #3  
Old 06-04-01, 03:30 PM
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Thumbs up GFCI receptacle

John Nelson: The outlet started working again before I could try your suggestions. Will try testing should this problem happen again. Don't know if the days of rain and dampness here is causing this problem either, or the fact that the outlet is 20 years old. Thanks for your help.
 
  #4  
Old 06-04-01, 06:52 PM
J
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Yes, moisture in the boxes can cause this. In many homes, there are outdoor receptacles also on the GFCI circuit in the bathrooms.
 
 

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