Mike Dolt Enterprises
Mike Dolt Enterprises
User: lachance, Location: Florida
Asked on: Friday, December 17, 2004 at 9:01 am EST
Answered on: Thursday, May 9, 2024 at 12:47 pm EDT
Question: I have encountered a problem with some GFCI's in a customers home. I have seperated line and load and installed three new GFI receptacles, I've even pigtailed all the hots together to the line side and all the neutrials to the line neutral side and the GFI will still not trip out when testing hot to ground. The test and reset buttons work but the device does not trip out hot to ground. The kicker is that that is not the only GFI receptacle in the home doing this. I thought that maybe some how the neutrals of two different circuits were some how tied together. When testing for voltage I have a good hot, neutral, and ground. I hope someone may have some advice pertaining to this. I've been an electrician for a long time and have never seen anything like this, but maybe I am not seeing something and need a fresh set of eyes!!
Possible Causes
Incorrect Wiring
Ensure that the hot and neutral wires are connected correctly to the line side of the GFCI, and the load side is connected to the downstream devices.
Faulty GFCI
Replace the GFCI receptacle with a known-working one.
Tripped Main Breaker
Check if the main breaker has tripped.
Multiple GFCIs on the Same Circuit
If there are multiple GFCIs on the same circuit, tripping one GFCI may not trip all of them.
Neutral-Ground Bond
Check if the neutral and ground wires are bonded together at the main electrical panel. If they are not bonded, the GFCI may not trip.
Load Miswiring
Ensure that the devices connected to the load side of the GFCI are not wired incorrectly.
Problems Upstream
Check for any loose connections or damaged wires upstream of the GFCI.
Troubleshooting Steps
1.
Test with a Different GFCI
Install a new GFCI receptacle to see if the problem persists.2.
Check for Neutral-Ground Bond
Use a multimeter to measure the resistance between the neutral and ground wires at the main electrical panel. It should be close to 0 ohms.3.
Isolate the GFCI Circuit
Disconnect the GFCI circuit at the main electrical panel and test the circuit with a multimeter. If the circuit is still live, there may be a problem elsewhere in the electrical system.4.
Check Load Wiring
Inspect the connections of the devices connected to the load side of the GFCI. Ensure that there are no loose or damaged wires.5.
Inspect Upstream Wiring
Trace the wiring upstream of the GFCI to identify any potential problems. Check for loose connections, damaged wires, or overloaded circuits.
Additional Considerations: Are the GFCIs located outdoors or in high-humidity areas? They may be more prone to false tripping. Are there any surge protectors or other electronic devices connected to the GFCI? They can sometimes interfere with the operation of the GFCI. Have there been any recent changes to the electrical system, such as renovations or additions? Flag for review