I had a question from a client that I could not find an answer for. It seems an owner is requiring the contractor to plug his portable GFCI into a GFCI protected receptacle. The contractor says that when he does this, his GFCI activates. Any information would be of help, i.e., anyone ever hear of this practice? What would cause the 2nd GFCI to activate?
GFCIs
- Thread starter gwoodson
- Start date
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- Location
- Bremerton, Washington
Re: GFCIs
A gfci measures the current leaving and returing. If its within 4-6 mA it won't trip. If not, then it will. I don't see why the second GFCI is tripping. What is plugged into it?
A gfci measures the current leaving and returing. If its within 4-6 mA it won't trip. If not, then it will. I don't see why the second GFCI is tripping. What is plugged into it?
hurk27
Senior Member
- Location
- Portage, Indiana NEC: 2008
Re: GFCIs
Plugging one GFCI into another should not trip his GFCI unless he is hitting the test button while plugging it in, the test button just connects the load hot to the line neutral via a small resistor, which will not trip the first unit but will trip the second one.
There could be some leakage in the portable GFCI set or a bad cord set or load connected to it. I know a three light plug in tester will trip both units, but not pushing the test button on the GFCI.
Here is a good article about GFCI's and how they work: GFCI's by Sam Goldwasser for Code Check
It should give you some incite on how they function.
Plugging one GFCI into another should not trip his GFCI unless he is hitting the test button while plugging it in, the test button just connects the load hot to the line neutral via a small resistor, which will not trip the first unit but will trip the second one.
There could be some leakage in the portable GFCI set or a bad cord set or load connected to it. I know a three light plug in tester will trip both units, but not pushing the test button on the GFCI.
Here is a good article about GFCI's and how they work: GFCI's by Sam Goldwasser for Code Check
It should give you some incite on how they function.
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