flourescent light tripping GFCI

[mjeff87]

Do GFCI's not like flourescent lights? I installed a small (24") single-bulb 17W T8 corded fixture in my garage, plugged into a GFCI outlet. If I toggle the on/off rocker switch more than once the outlet trips. Thoughts?

Thanks,
Jeff

 

[Charles (in GA)]

You are correct, flo lights tend to trip GFCI's. Best not to put any lighting on a GFCI circuit if possible, otherwise you will have to deal with it.

Charles

 

[mjeff87]

thanks Charles......I'll have to run it to a different outlet (which is nowhere close to the light)

Jeff

 

[Falcon67]

I have two 4' flo lights plugged into GFCI supplied outlets and never have any problems. I would change the ballast in the light or toss the light.

 

[mjeff87]

funny thing is, I just moved the light from above the workbench to the other side of the garage. Above the bench it was plugged into a regular outlet and worked without a problem, but it's not playing well with the GFCI. It is an older fixture, though....

Jeff

 

[Gary S]

It might be time to consider a different light fixture.
I have two 4' florescent lights with T8 lamps over my workbench. They are plugged into one of my GFI protected circuits and have never tripped the GFI.

 

[Tom McDermott]

Depends on the age of the GFCI. Older ones had several problems. UL changed the specifications in 2003 to reduce radio frequency interference susceptibility, false tripping, etc.; and again in 2006 to force them to trip when wired up with line an dload reversed.

Look for a replacement GFCI marked "Meets the requirements of UL2006" or some similar wording (or just plug into a non-GFCI outlet).

-- Tom

 

[mjeff87]

brand new house, I'm fairly certain the outlet meets current UL specs.

I pulled the flouro fixture and replaced it with a $20 xenon-bulb unit from Lowe's, and all is well. I'll keep the flouro to use on the ground when I'm working on the Heep

Thanks all!

Jeff