Can switching on fluorescent lights trip a GFCI?

[steve66]

I've seen this once except the GFCI tripped when the lights were turned off.

Replaced the GFCI with a brand name one - never had a problem again.

IMO, a good GFCI should be able to withstand short transients without tripping.

 

[ptonsparky]

I've seen this once except the GFCI tripped when the lights were turned off.

Replaced the GFCI with a brand name one - never had a problem again.

IMO, a good GFCI should be able to withstand short transients without tripping.

I always thought Leviton was a name brand. I had problem with a bath fan in my house that when switched off would trip the GFCI for the freezer. Totally different circuits. I tried P&S, Cooper, and Leviton. They all tripped.

So in answer to the OPs question, seems like just about anything that produces some sort of transient may trip a GFCI under conditions that may or may not be entirely explained in terms other than "Stuff Happens".