Scott Wallace
Member
I have recently installed a ice machine outside that stores bagged ice. I have it on a GFI and it keeps losing power to the machine. What can i do to prevent this, Where can I find this in the NEC?
Outside ice machine
- Thread starter Scott Wallace
- Start date
- Status
- Location
- Placerville, CA, USA
- Occupation
- Retired PV System Designer
The best thing you can do is get the machine fixed. There is leakage current somewhere, and you should be able to measure it. It may depend on the conditions around the compressor and internal wiring, etc.. If the machine is plugged into a receptacle, make sure you have a proper in-use cover over the receptacle.
The second best is to use a GFCI breaker rather than a GFCI receptacle, which might give you a little lower sensitivity. Or if there is more than one outside outlet on a single GFCI breaker, you may want to try using separate receptacle GFCIs for each outlet instead of the breaker. YMMV.
Last edited:
- Location
- Illinois
- Occupation
- retired electrician
How so? The standard for the trip of an GFCI is the same for both. Neither is permitted to trip below 4 mA and both must trip at 6 mA.
- Location
- Placerville, CA, USA
- Occupation
- Retired PV System Designer
Touch?.
petersonra
Senior Member
- Location
- Northern illinois
- Occupation
- engineer
I think the issue is more likely to be found in keeping moisture from the terminals of the GFCI outlet. They seem to be more susceptible to leakage due to dampness than straight outlets IME.
texie
Senior Member
- Location
- Fort Collins, Colorado
- Occupation
- Electrician, Contractor, Inspector
The first thing I would want to know is if the machine is listed for outdoor use. That may be a deal breaker right there for the manufacturer if you claim a leakage current defect.
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