Auto opener switch on GFCI - InspectionNews

John Stephenson · #1 (**permalink**) 06-26-2007, 10:45 PM

..........

Rick Hurst · #2 (**permalink**) 06-26-2007, 11:27 PM

I don't think it is nothing but a poor location. Why is having anything connected to a GFCI receptacle wrong?

I know you wouldn't want maybe a refrigerator / freezer on a GFCI in case it tripped, you might have a spoilage problem.

Dumb idea, yeah.

Jerry Peck · #3 (**permalink**) 06-27-2007, 06:21 AM

IF the receptacle outlet is above 6'8" above the floor, it is typically considered not 'readily accessible' and thus does not need GFCI protection.

However, as stated in other posts regarding motors and so-called 'nuisance tripping', the allowable ground fault for motors is about 1/100th of that which trips a GFCI. Thus, if the motor is tripping a GFCI, the motor/appliance needs to be replaced. Don't remove the GFCI protection, replace the problem - the motor.

Richard Stanley · #4 (**permalink**) 06-27-2007, 09:39 AM

When I encounter that set up, I note it in the report and caution the client as to the possibility of an inconvenince - remote won't work if circuit is tripped.

Jerry Peck · #5 (**permalink**) 06-27-2007, 07:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Stephenson

I was thinking the switch/auto door opener needs to be on its own dedicated branch circuit.

Nope.