GFI & storms

[Doug]

Originally Posted by mike31154

Most wall receptacle GFIs are designed to stay set when there is a power outage and power is restored. However, in the case of some outages, it's possible an imbalance causes it to trip, in which case it must be reset manually when power comes back on. There are some 'plug in' type GFIs and power bar GFIs that are designed to remain tripped when there is a power failure. The reason for this is that if they are used with certain power tools, the tool won't start spinning if you lose power and it's restored. This is a safety feature for if you happen to walk away and leave the tool turned on. In this case when power is restored and you're not in control of the power tool, it could have disastrous consequences.

GFIs are very sensitive devices, taking only milliamps in current differential to trip. Even though the one you have is only a few months old, it could still be faulty. Probably worth your while to try a new one, or at least see if you can duplicate the problem by tripping and resetting the circuit breaker feeding that device. That will simulate a power outage. If it stays on after tripping and resetting the breaker, it may have been a one time glitch and nothing to be concerned about. Always a good idea to split your system load between more than one circuit for peace of mind when you're away and some sort of power backup for added insurance.

A brief power outage, {just one of those off and back on things} and the circuit never reset again. So today I tried the test Mike suggested here and the circuit reset fine when the breaker was reset.

So whatever those power bumps are, they trip the gfi. But again, not the gfi/arc fault breaker that powers half the tank.

[StirCrazy]

Originally Posted by Doug

A brief power outage, {just one of those off and back on things} and the circuit never reset again. So today I tried the test Mike suggested here and the circuit reset fine when the breaker was reset.

So whatever those power bumps are, they trip the gfi. But again, not the gfi/arc fault breaker that powers half the tank.

ok I am confused is it a outlet GFI or is it the gfi breaker that is tripping?

If it is the wall one change it. they go bad and start tripping more easy.

and just to be sure, the wall gfi isn't the same circut as the gfi breaker, right?

Steve

[Doug]

Originally Posted by StirCrazy

ok I am confused is it a outlet GFI or is it the gfi breaker that is tripping?

If it is the wall one change it. they go bad and start tripping more easy.

and just to be sure, the wall gfi isn't the same circut as the gfi breaker, right?

Steve

The breaker is a gfi/arc fault that controls the room the tank is in. Never trips when power fails. The other is a separate circuit, installed just for the tank. Its on its own regular 15amp breaker, which is the breaker I tripped for the test.

Yes, its a wall unit, that I installed. Its brand new. Its runs my controller, which runs the sump equipment, heater, halide and so on. The other circuit has my Vortechs on them, so when the other fails, both Vortechs are still running, plus I put an axillary heater on this circuit when away.