gfci outlet

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enireh

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Canyon Lake,TX
I installed a GFCI outlet in a barn hanging from the rafters for a diesel pump motor, the outlet trips a lot so I changed it and it is still tripping now and then. It is an open air barn so could this be the moisture in the air? If so, what to do? I thought about trying a GFCI breaker to see if that works. From the panel is 60' of 12/2 to a metal box, out of the box is 8' of s/o cord that goes into a metal box with the outlet.

thank you
 
enireh said:
I installed a GFCI outlet in a barn hanging from the rafters for a diesel pump motor, the outlet trips a lot so I changed it and it is still tripping now and then. It is an open air barn so could this be the moisture in the air? If so, what to do? I thought about trying a GFCI breaker to see if that works. From the panel is 60' of 12/2 to a metal box, out of the box is 8' of s/o cord that goes into a metal box with the outlet.

thank you
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Not sure what you are describing in red above.

Sounds like there is a problem with the pump motor or some of the wiring. The GFCI is doing it's job.
Go plug the motor into another working GFCI and see if it trips it. If so, that proves there is a problem with the pump.
 
It's definitely a problem with the pump. Installing a GFCI breaker will only relocate the tripping from the outlet to the panel.
 
gfci outlet

peter d said:
It's definitely a problem with the pump. Installing a GFCI breaker will only relocate the tripping from the outlet to the panel.
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the pump motor isn't plugged. when we go out there to use it, the outlet is tripped. when plug the motor in when it is to be used, so its just hanging there and it trips, thats why I was thinking moisture in the air sorry I didn't mention that about the motor
 
enireh said:
the pump motor isn't plugged. when we go out there to use it, the outlet is tripped. when plug the motor in when it is to be used, so its just hanging there and it trips, thats why I was thinking moisture in the air sorry I didn't mention that about the motor
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Then check the wiring, make sure no ground and neutrals are touching. Even the neutral touching the metal box will trip it. It could be just close and when it gets moved (by wind, vibration, touching, etc.) it makes contact and causes the trip.
 
enireh said:
the pump motor isn't plugged. when we go out there to use it, the outlet is tripped. when plug the motor in when it is to be used, so its just hanging there and it trips, thats why I was thinking moisture in the air sorry I didn't mention that about the motor
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I'd try a weather resistant GFCI then.
 
peter d said:
I'd try a weather resistant GFCI then.
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How is the circuit board and the design of the WR device different? My understanding is the WR device has a face that is made by a different material. The interior is the same.
 
edward said:
How is the circuit board and the design of the WR device different? My understanding is the WR device has a face that is made by a different material. The interior is the same.
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The circuit board is potted or has a conformal coating and the mounting strap is stainless. Yes, the face is made of UV resistant plastic.
 
peter d said:
The circuit board is potted or has a conformal coating and the mounting strap is stainless. Yes, the face is made of UV resistant plastic.
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Which I don't think any of that has to do with the GFCI tripping. It's only to (hopefully) allow the GFCI to last longer outdoors.
 
If it is a moisture intrusion issue, you can test it by spraying the outlet with WD-40 and seeing if that cuts down the number of trips. It's not a permanent solution, but if you spray it and it STILL trips, that wasn't the problem.
 
As suggested earlier OP can also install a GFCI circuit breaker. If it is local moisture issue I would not think it will effect the circuit breaker that is enclosed in the load center.
 
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