I replaced it but it is still happening. I could replace it with a non-breaker outlet but I am worried that there is a short or something. Maybe the circuit is overloaded? But if there is nothing plugged in how can it overload? I am not sure how I should test it.
2007-09-07 10:23:56 · 8 answers · asked by Mike 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Yes it is a GFCI type switch
2007-09-07 10:38:32 · update #1
It does have 4 wires secured with 4 screws and an unshielded (I guess ground) at the bottom secured with another screw.
2007-09-07 11:03:46 · update #2
A GFCI with 4 wires on it means it is feeding something else besides itself. What else goes off when it trips? GFCI receptacles do not trip due to an overload. They trip when the current on the hot wire is different from the current on the neutral wire. They then assume some of the current is going to ground (maybe through you) and they trip. Look for something that might cause that condition. The last one I had a call on had the bare ground wire touching the neutral screw when it was shoved back into the box. Another one fed an exhaust fan that had a similar condition with the wiring. Another possibility is that the first one went bad and the new one was wired wrong.
2007-09-07 14:46:52 · answer #1 · answered by John himself 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I assume that you are describing a GFCI type of receptacle as is used in a restroom or kitchen. There is a possibility that the unit has been wired wrong, (wrong polarity) but then it would have been a problem from the beginning. Another possibility is that this GFCI is connected in a line of other receptacles and another one down the line is creating the problem. I would guess that the latter is the problem. If you installed more than 2 wires plus the ground, then this is feeding other plugs down the line.
2007-09-07 10:41:15 · answer #2 · answered by Just wonderin' 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Is this in a garage?
Garage & out-side receptacle must have GFCI protection.
Check what is pluged into these out-lets and unplug the items.
Plug each back in and check for the trip, maybe you can find which is causeing the fault.
when installed on a gfci circuit refrigerator and freezers usually will trip a gfi when the compressor starts.
If this helps.GREAT!
If not for your saftey and piece of mind get a licensed electrician to check it out
2007-09-08 00:35:25 · answer #3 · answered by greg w 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have been an electrician for many years, and I am having trouble figuring out what you are calling a reset breaker outlet. Do you mean a GFCI outlet? The kind that trips if things get wet, or short to ground?
There are a few things it could be depending on what you actually have.
IM, or email me, I will be glad to walk you through a troubleshooting procedure once I find out exactly what the deal is...
Steve.
2007-09-07 10:34:44 · answer #4 · answered by hockeynut 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
if it is a gfci type you need to find out whichh is the line and which is the load. you need to take out the four wires and find out whic one is the hot wire. connect that to the line and the other to the load side MAKE SURE YOU CONNECT THE WHITE WIRE TO THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE BLACK WIRE. IF IT IS NOT CONNECTED TO THE OPPOSITE SIDE IT WILL DO THAT .
2007-09-07 15:13:17 · answer #5 · answered by mario c 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you replaced it and its still happening, the problem is in the wiring. Does it feed a device via underground wires? They may be wet.
2007-09-07 12:28:03 · answer #6 · answered by davidosterberg1 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
if you disconnect the GFI and turn on the breaker and it still blows, you have a shorted wire somewhere.
If it doesn't, then that GFI is no goodnik, or the chance that the GFI is wired wrong.
2007-09-07 12:22:18 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
sounds like the GFI is grounding out,
2007-09-07 11:23:05 · answer #8 · answered by William B 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋