Vending machine GFI's

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SiddMartin

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422.51 (i think) requires GFI outlet for Vending machines that do not have one installed on the cord. (2005 and newer machines)

Situation is this: I had to install new recepts for vendings machines that a company was adding to the existing area of vending machines.

After 3-4 days of operation, one of the existing machines tripped the GFI, causing chaotic confusion and the phone calls came soon after. GFI reset, but may have tripped more then once or only once (not sure on that). A vending machine guy was out and told them they wont work off of GFI's, b/c it will trip. They would like standard recepts installed now. How would you handle nuisance trip on vending machine that needs to stay on so food wont spoil? Almost like putting a fridge on a GFI. Just the possibility of nuisance tripping would / could cause a lot of problems.

I know the work I did is right, and the cust. is alright paying for everything, but it seems like a bad idea to install one on a GFI. Anyone else run into this?
 
Legaly i don't think you can now remove that gfi. If equipment wont run on them it cause they have a problem. Tell them repair or replace because they are asking to get sued.
 
Have whoever maintains the machine install a GFI cord. You can then install a regular receptacle. If the GFI cord trips, then it's their problem.
 
First of all this is not nuisance tripping!

A GFCI is set to trip at not less than 4mA and not more than 6mA. NEMA standards for manufacturing equipment is having a leakage current not in excess of .75mA for stationary equipment and not more than .5mA for portable equipment.

If the vending machine is tripping the GFCI, then there is a problem with the machine or among other things moisture could be getting into the receptacle box causing the GFCI to trip, nonetheless, the GFCI protection should not be removed from the vending machine.
 
Mvillines said:
First of all this is not nuisance tripping!

A GFCI is set to trip at not less than 4mA and not more than 6mA. NEMA standards for manufacturing equipment is having a leakage current not in excess of .75mA for stationary equipment and not more than .5mA for portable equipment.

If the vending machine is tripping the GFCI, then there is a problem with the machine or among other things moisture could be getting into the receptacle box causing the GFCI to trip, nonetheless, the GFCI protection should not be removed from the vending machine.
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Exactly! It's not nuisance tripping it is doing it's job.

The machine is leaking too much current to ground. Faulty equipment needs to be fixed. Don't chance hurting someone by violating code ESPECIALLY when it comes to GFCIs .....no....no.......no......oh no....dont' do that.....no..no oh no no no
 
I agree! I will leave the GFI's in and tell them to have their machines checked. Sometimes I think these people forget that it is safety that is most important.
 
Just a thought, have you replaced the GFCI in the event that it is bad. Lately I've had to deal with several different GFCI brands that have tested good but would not hold a load properly. Its a total pain to identify these bad GFCI's but in my new homes, the folks will call ya pretty quick...and as we know, cheaper products are exactly that...cheap initially but expensive on the callbacks.
 
SiddMartin said:
How would you handle nuisance trip on vending machine that needs to stay on so food wont spoil? Almost like putting a fridge on a GFI.
Click to expand...

All cord and plug connected 125 volt 15 or 20 amp refrigerators in commercial kitchens are required to be GFCI protected by the NEC. The NFPA is not concerned with spoiled food.

I agree with the others, the GFCI is doing exactly what is supposed to do.
 
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