router, cable modem trip gfci on internet use

[objectthink]

This is a recent occurance although the gfci was replaced once already.
A power strip is plugged into the gfci and a cable modem and router are plugged into the power strip. When network and internet usage is high the gfci trips. Moving the power strip to another gfci fixes the problem but I am slowly ruining another gfci?

Is the problem the gfci, router/modem power supply, router/modem?

**steve**
software engineer

 

[al hildenbrand]

Don't forget to suspect the power strip.

Does it have surge protection built into it?

 

[objectthink]

hadn't thought of that...

hadn't thought of that...

I can run a test today with the offending gfci/modem/router and a different surge protection power strip...

thanks for the quick reply...

**steve**
software engineer

will do!

 

[al hildenbrand]

Try a non-surge protected strip, as a third possibility.

 

[George Stolz]

Don't surge protectors shunt current onto the EGC when they detect a surge? That would trip a GFCI.

I've had this problem on AFCI's, with their 30mA GFP.

 

[petersonra]

Don't surge protectors shunt current onto the EGC when they detect a surge? That would trip a GFCI.

Most surge protector strips (and basically they are all the same inside) have MOVs wired L-N, L-G, and N-G.

When the MOVs see a "high" voltage (say L-G) it conducts current to reduce the voltage. When the voltage drops back to normal, it shuts off. So there is some potential for current to flow into the EGC.

There is also some leakage current through the MOV. Typically it is very low (like micro amps).

Often PC power supplies have filters that also are L-G and you can get leakage there as well.

Get enough of these things leaking on a circuit and you can trip a GFCI.

Sometimes they warm up and leak more then when cold.

I don't think you can harm a GFCI by tripping it now and then.