We have several high output fluorescent fixtures, Hydra Farms #FTL-44 (125vac@ 2amps), supplying light in a wet lab which grows algae. They are in close proximity to each other mounted vertically next to clear cylynders which hold the algae. Due to the wet conditions the system was to be powered By 20 Amp GFCI breakers. When testing, the lighting the system worked and the GFI's opperated. After about and hour each breaker tripped. Suspecting an overload I clamped a circuit with a Fluke #36. Max hold was selected. Trying again, the circuit tripped at 14,1 amps. I wired one of the circuits directly to a GFCi outlet, it tripped too. I then tested each breaker with an ideal GFCI tester and the breakers all tripped at 7 ma. (the breakers are good). Next, I jumpered 6 fixtures with a #12-3 SO cable and wired it directly to a Breaker, it also tripped (the wiring is good). The system will operate constantly with non GFCI breakers. I am suspecting it takes awhile for the fixtures to turn on fully and when they do they get a fault.
Do any of you folks have another idea?
Do any of you folks have another idea?