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Can "wattage" trip a GFCI?
I was discussing worklights with a friend. I told him that I have one
of these 500 watt units: http://www.harborfreight.com/500-wat...ght-40123.html In one email he said: "I like the idea of these lights, but every time I purchase one for use, they trip the GFCI receptacle in my garage. I've had to return every light that I've purchased and have given up on the idea." When I said that I've used this light in the rain more than once without any problem, he replied with: "I believe that it's the pure wattage requirements of these lights, more than their quality (or lack thereof) that caused my GFCI to trip." Does that make any sense? If it was an current overage the breaker would trip not the GFCI so why would a "high wattage" device trip the GFCI? *If it is a very old GFI he may be right. Inside of a garage there are large temperature and humidity variations as well as fumes from gasoline and other things that get stored there. The insulation inside of the GFI may have degraded and there may be some internal leakage with a large load. Change the GFI and see what happens. I suggest installing a GFI that is rated for outdoor use. It will have a "W" or "WP" on the label. |
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