gfci outlet

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enireh

Senior Member
Location
Canyon Lake,TX
I installed a gfci outlet in an open air barn. The outlet is about 65' feet from the panel. The outlet trips so I installed a new outlet and now it trips. The outlet is in a four square box with a plaster ring and it is hanging from above on a 12/2 s o cord. I ran 12/2 to the outlet from the panel. All I can think to do is maybe install the outlet in a bell box, but those are not humidity free either, or change to a GFCI breaker. input anyone?
 
based on info provided, I dunno why she trip. She should no trip. Something fishy in that barn.
 
gfci outlet

peter d said:
I'd really like to know what's plugged into it. The fact that it's tripping is telling me that the GFCI is doing its job.
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nothing is plugged into the outlet it is for a diesel pump and when it is used, the pump works and the outlet works, when the "Farmer" returns the next day or days, the outlet has tripped. nothing is plugged in until time to be used otherwise its just a lone GFCI outlet swaying in the wind like Billy the Kid https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_XZyGhg2IpQ
 
gfci outlet

peter d said:
Anybody else using it that you don't know about?
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no its just for a diesel pump motor he plugs in when using this happens with GFCI outlets and breakers and I in my uneducated way have a hard time explaining this to people, especially old ranchers who think its a government conspiracy as to why we need "CFI's GFI's" "whatever you call em"

thank you for your help
 
enireh said:
no its just for a diesel pump motor he plugs in when using this happens with GFCI outlets and breakers and I in my uneducated way have a hard time explaining this to people, especially old ranchers who think its a government conspiracy as to why we need "CFI's GFI's" "whatever you call em"

thank you for your help
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Your not gonna win an argument with an old rancher no matter how smart you are.

It does not take much to trip a GFI, a little nick in the insulation, a strand of wire touching something it shouldn't but one thing is for sure, ninety nine times out of a hundred the GFI is doing it's job.
 
You say the box is hanging from a cord. Could something be striking it? I think a physical shock can trip a GFCI. Installing a GFCI breaker would solve the issue if that's the case.
 
retirede said:
You say the box is hanging from a cord. Could something be striking it? I think a physical shock can trip a GFCI. Installing a GFCI breaker would solve the issue if that's the case.
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Might solve it, but now he would have 65' of additional wire downstream of the GFCI which may cause additional tripping if it's not in good shape or well protected.

Is the wire NM or UF? The paper inside NM is going to absorb a lot of moisture in a humid area. UF or MC would be better if you change to a breaker GFCI. (I'm assuming it's not SO cord all the way to the panel.)
 
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Coppersmith said:
Might solve it, but now he would have 65' of additional wire downstream of the GFCI which may cause additional tripping if it's not in good shape or well protected.

Is the wire NM or UF? The paper inside NM is going to absorb a lot of moisture in a humid area.
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So all the NM cable in attics and block walls in Florida is in real trouble then. ;)
 
peter d said:
So all the NM cable in attics and block walls in Florida is in real trouble then. ;)
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Since I live in FL and crawl around in attics frequently, I can tell you that they are dry as bones (and hotter than the fires of hell).

Block walls you might have a point.
 
MYSTERY SOLVED!

MYSTERY SOLVED!

When the male plug is removed after use, the thumb of the user hits the button and trips the device. Install a breaker and verify my hypothesis.

Thank you, Thank you, I'll be signing autographs in the Campfire section on Monday, May 1.
 
tadavidson said:
When the male plug is removed after use, the thumb of the user hits the button and trips the device. Install a breaker and verify my hypothesis.

Thank you, Thank you, I'll be signing autographs in the Campfire section on Monday, May 1.
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Certainly a possibility.

Inductive kickback (don't have to originate on the same circuit) is another possibility.

If it is a GFCI designed for portable use it will need reset anytime power is lost. This usually the case with inline cordset type GFCI's but I have seen them in a device box style a time or two over the years - designed specifically for portable power equipment.
 
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