"DerbyDad03" wrote in message
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On May 14, 8:08 pm, "John Grabowski" wrote:
"DerbyDad03" wrote in message

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On May 14, 6:48 pm, "John Grabowski" wrote:





wrote in message

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On May 14, 5:05�pm, "John Grabowski" wrote:

"Robert11" wrote in message

...

Hello,

Have put in a GFCI wall outlet type of GFCI breaker in kitchen.
The typical type by Leviton.

Wired it as a "feed-thru" configuration, in that it also controls
downstream wall outlets.

The refrigerator is on one of these downstream outlets.

The GFCI trips every day or so.
Hard to tell if it's when the fridge turns on or off, though.
Again, not all of the time.

Question:

Are these gadgets "notoriously fickle" and sensitive in their usage
history ?

Think the fridge might be the problem, or... ?

Thanks,
Bob

The new GFI receptacles are much better than older versions so it is
possible that there is a problem with your fridge. �Refrigerators in
the
kitchen are not required to have GFI protection.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers, washing machines are not usually
put on GFCIs because of false trips. plus old wiring long runs can
develop capacitive coupling, causing false trips.

One of the reasons for kitchen countertop receptacles to be GFCI
protected
is because of service people getting shocked or electrocuted when
working
on
plumbing or appliances by plugging a faulty cord or tool into the
outlet.
The code does not require GFCI protection for a hardwired dishwasher nor
for
a behind the fridge receptacle. However the 2008 NEC eliminates many
exceptions to the GFCI rule. All garage receptacles regardless of their
use
or location must now be GFCI protected. This includes refrigerators and
garage door openers. And of course all outlets now are required to be
tamper resistant. Hurry and use up your inventory.

GFCI's are required in laundry areas when they are within six feet of a
sink.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

All garage receptacles regardless of their use or location must
now be GFCI protected

I don't know how many people have fridges, freezers or beer coolers in
their garages - millions? - but I'm guessing that the majority are
going to lean towards being non-compliant vs. moving the appliance.

I know a guy whose address is very similar to mine who replaced a GFCI
protected receptacle in his garage with a standard receptacle because
my - errr - I mean *his* freezer tripped the GFCI and he lost a bunch
of food.

*This very issue came up in a recent code class that I took. According to
the instructor the reasoning behind this change is that there may not
always
be a fridge there. When you move out, the new occupants may have another
use for that particular receptacle. The new GFCI's are supposed to be less
prone to nuisance tripping. As a licensed electrical contractor I am
obligated to follow what is required. I personally think builders should
make provisions for a second fridge or freezer in the kitchen as it seems
that many people have a second unit in their garage or basement.

Several months ago I was doing work for some customers in their house.
While there I noticed in the garage that they had a refrigerator. It was
connected to an extension cord that was run on the floor in front of the
steps that lead into the house from the garage. They had unplugged the
central vac unit which had a high mounted receptacle and plugged the
refrigerator extension cord in instead. This couple had three small
children. I sent them a letter outlining the safety hazards associated
with
this hookup which also mentioned trip hazards as well as electrical. I
also
included a price to make it right. I have not heard from them regarding
this. If that vac outlet was a GFCI there would be a certain degree of
protection when that cord became frayed from people walking on it.- Hide
quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

I think the requirement for GFCI's in garages will lead to more
extension cords or other ways around them to avoid the danger of
nuisance trips. Even with the aforementioned lessening of nuisance
trips, many folks arent going to take that chance with a fridge or
freezer.

I believe they call that the law of unexpected consequences.


* The people who wrote the code consider the loss of life more important
than the loss of refrigerated food. Unfortunately you are correct in
assuming that some people will decide for themselves how important
convenience is.