Freezer tripping GFCI..

[BellyUpFish]

New build, about a year old.

We came home last week from being out of town and our garage freezer wasn't running.

The freezer is NOT plugged into a GFCI, but there is one upstream of the freeezer and it is tripping.

Reset the garage outlets GFCI and aside from the fact that I told the electrician I wanted the freezer on its own circuit, everything was good until today. It tripped again.

I've tested the GFCI, simply with the test/reset buttons. I've tested the outlet the freezer is in with a receptacle tested - both appear to be good. Thinking about buying a GFCI tester.

Only other thing plugged into this circuit is a Small battery tender on a riding lawn mower.

So, I need to test the freezer. No idea how to go about this.

Also looking at what it's going to take to put this on its own circuit.

I've read freezers/refrigerators shouldn't be put on a GFCI, anyone here agree with that?

Anyone of you electrical guys have any tips as to where to go next?



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[wyliesdiesels]

Try replacing GFCI.

If it still trips, most likely culprit is broken defrost bulb.

There are no more exemptions for omitting GFCIs in garages.

Even a dedicated circuit in a garage requires a GFCI.

Repair the fridge and buy an alarm so you have an audible alert when it goes off. Ive seen GFCIs with alarms built in.

 

[Showkey]

This has come up several times before..........many of us use a non GFCI circcuit for the freezer for exact problem your having. (But that's not legal).

Others will say something is wrong with the freezer causing the GFCI to fault. But alittle research will find brand new units both freezers and refrigerators causing nuisance tripping.
This tripping can occur with on units without self defrost units as well as auto defrost.

Be sure there is not another device on that GFCI circuit alike a near by bath or other outside outlets or lamp post etc


Google "GFCI freezer or refrigerator tripping".............you will get literally 100's of hits.

 

[BellyUpFish]

This has come up several times before..........many of us use a non GFCI circcuit for the freezer for exact problem your having. (But that's not legal)
Others will say something is wrong with the freezer causing the GFCI to fault.
Be sure there is not another device on that GFCI circuit alike a near by bath or other outside outlets or lamp post etc

Out here testing it now. Looks like my garage door openers are also on the same circuit as the garage plugs.


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[BellyUpFish]

Try replacing GFCI.

If it still trips, most likely culprit is broken defrost bulb.

Repair the fridge and buy an alarm so you have an audible alert when it goes off. Ive seen GFCIs with alarms built in.

I'm going to replace the GFCI and see what happens.

Bulb in freezer is good. Freezer is only 3 years old, hope that's not the issue.

I'll look into a GFCI with alarm.


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[wyliesdiesels]

How do you know the bulb is good?

It may work but could be broken.

 

[AffableCurmudgeon]

Bulb in freezer is good.

Defrost heater is different than the light bulb in the freezer.

 

[BellyUpFish]

Defrost heater is different than the light bulb in the freezer.

Ah, well then, I have no idea if it's good.

Anyway to test?


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[AffableCurmudgeon]

You will need to locate it first. Typically, it is in the back by the drain. Hidden behind the plastic or metal cover.

Looks like a long heating element in a long glass tube. Or, it could be just a naked heating rod.

Take it off and measure resistance. If the resistance is close to nothing or close to infinity, it is bad.

 

[Showkey]

Big assumption the freezer in question is self defrosting. Most chest freezers are NOT self defrost.

 

[larry4406]

Bring electrician back as it's clearly not on a separate circuit as you requested. Let him also eat the bill for lost contents or use it as part of your negotiating.

 

[BellyUpFish]

Bring electrician back as it's clearly not on a separate circuit as you requested. Let him also eat the bill for lost contents or use it as part of your negotiating.

That is in the works.

As a follow up to the thread, since it drives me nuts when people ask a question and never report how they fixed it, I've swapped GFCI's and we are trip free for 2 days.


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[Showkey]

Sounds good..........but watch it like hawk.........cuz two days is not a confirmation. Especially with this type of problem.

Hate to come home from a two week trip to find a freezer not frozen.

 

[BellyUpFish]

Sounds good..........but watch it like hawk.........cuz two days is not a confirmation. Especially with this type of problem.

Hate to come home from a two week trip to find a freezer not frozen.

Very true. Swapped the GFCI to an audible unit, so at least we'll have a heads up there..