Mixing GFCI circuits with non-gfci

[GoldDigger]

MOVs, Metal Oxide Varistors, are non-linear devices that can be thought of as voltage sensitive resistors rather than diodes.
They are still resistors at normal line voltage, just very high ohm. The incorrect choice of a varistor or piling many protected devices on one circuit could add up to more than 6ma and trip a GFCI.

At voltages above their "knee" they conduct very very well and can clamp a surge. A prolonged overvoltage will simply burn them out, so they are not good for lost neutrals, etc.

 

[kwired]

Many electronic items have MOV's as about the first thing in the circuit in the power supply. They only conduct significant current above their clamping voltage. I imagine they may have very low leakage current and if enough of them are in the circuit you could have enough leakage to trip a GFCI.

 

[hbiss]

My wife has an "outlet multiplier" plugged into our bathroom GFCI receptacle for the toothbrush, hairdryer and a nightlight. It's also a surge suppressor. Every so often I have to pull the damn thing out to reset the GFCI. That's how I know.

-Hal