GFI Trip Alert?

[steveo1o9]

I am looking for ideas on how to alert me when a GFI outlet is tripped. My septic pump tank tripped the GFI this weekend when we had company and overflowed both the pump tank and septic tank. I only noticed the issue when I took the dog out and the smell was obvious. Fearing the pump died (again) I reset the outlet and all has been well so far. I plugged in a strand of christmas lights for the time being so I can see if the outlet trips again. This also happened last year when the pump died on me. I luckily was in the right spot at the right time to see the tiny indicator light on the outlet before a mess happened.

The outlet is mounted in an enclosure by the tank probably 30ft from the house. I would like to put a high water alarm/light on the tank but obviously don't want to use that outlet to power it, and another outlet is a ways away so I would need to trench in a very long float wire.

I just saw they that make GFI outlets with an audible alarm and think for the money that is worth a shot, but being away from the house in an enclosure that might not be heard. Ideally a small light visible that might catch my attention would help. Unfortunately with the box the outlet is in a small night light would not allow the cover to close.

Any other ideas or products I am unaware of?

 

[sberry]

Take it out. If the outlet is dedicated to that unit and not for general use it wouldn't hurt.

 

[steveo1o9]

Take it out. If the outlet is dedicated to that unit and not for general use it wouldn't hurt.

That outlet is on a standalone circuit, but isn't that "unsafe" to have a regular outlet outside? The trips seem to be valid as the last time the pump shorted out, and this time I'm thinking it may have been from some weeds that found their way inside the enclosure (ground level).

 

[Oggy]

https://store.aquatechnologygroup.com/products/gfci-trip-alarm/

I can't recommend as I've never used it before, but this seems to cover your problem...

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[steveo1o9]

https://store.aquatechnologygroup.com/products/gfci-trip-alarm/

I can't recommend as I've never used it before, but this seems to cover your problem...

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using The Garage Journal mobile app

I did stumble across that. It is pretty pricey especially considering you also need a $50/year subscription. I think that system would be useful for more critical equipment not my poop pump.

 

[mm08822]

I've never used an audible style (or heard one!), but you could install that type gfci recept in the house on the septic ckt and eliminate the gfi recept at the pump. So if it trips, you should be able to hear it in the house.

Only drawback is having to reset the recept in the house if you are fussing with the pump.

 

[klassenl]

Pull out the GFCI and put a regular receptacle in it.

 

[steveo1o9]

I've never used an audible style (or heard one!), but you could install that type gfci recept in the house on the septic ckt and eliminate the gfi recept at the pump. So if it trips, you should be able to hear it in the house.

Only drawback is having to reset the recept in the house if you are fussing with the pump.

That is an idea, I will have to trace the wire and see where it goes underground. I assume that wire runs from the panel through the crawl space though so accessibility to reset that outlet might be difficult. But maybe I could get lucky and it goes underground near the access hatch. I already have a water sensor for my well tanks under there and it can be heard faintly inside.

 

[ishiboo]

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B018A30T8Q/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[nehog]

I have a GFCI on my 50 Amp RV pedestal and when it trips the neighbors all come running because the alarm is so loud. My DW has informed me that I have to cut the alarm wires and can wire in a light if I wish. Unfortunately this magic is done with some pretty heavy duty stuff setup for 240 volt circuits. The GFI breaker itself has two sets of aux contacts to do this magic.

 

[Bert_]

I am in the crowd of toss the GFCI and put in a standard receptacle. Make it a single outlet if it makes you feel better. This is a code violation since ALL outside receptacles are supposed to be GFCI but I would do it and not feel the least bit bad about it.

A GFCI is to protect people when they use tools/equipment, not the equipment itself.

You are on the right track with a high level switch and alarm fed from a separate circuit. For the time being you could wire the alarm to the line side of the GFCI if you decide to keep it.

 

[nadogail]

You could have a normally closed relay contact held open by the circuit that is GFCI protected, when the GFCI opens the contact closes allowing a battery powered alarm (Sonalert) to sound.

Yes, you would have to maintain the battery and have a normally closed test button in series with the relay coil.

 

[Showkey]

The other choice place pilot light in an obvious location where the light is on when the circuit is operational.
This is similar topic to GFI and freezers.

Another option........My septic lift station has a water level alert horn on a seperate circuit from the the pump.

 

[AntonLargiader]

I was thinking similarly but with an AC alarm. Basically have an enclosure containing a GFCI, a relay and a 120VAC beeper. The relay coil is powered by the load side of the GFCI and the NC terminals connect the line side with the beeper.

I was initially thinking it would be a waste to be pulling in a relay 24/7 but I see some SSRs that take only a few mA:

https://cdn.automationdirect.com/static/specs/ssrelays.pdf

A battery alarm would tell you when all power was lost, but I think that part would already be obvious.

You could have a normally closed relay contact held open by the circuit that is GFCI protected, when the GFCI opens the contact closes allowing a battery powered alarm (Sonalert) to sound.

Yes, you would have to maintain the battery and have a normally closed test button in series with the relay coil.

 

[b-boy]

How about a GFCI breaker with an alarm? That way you'll hear it inside the house, and you can install a regular outlet at the pump. I found a few online. They seem a little pricey. but probably cheaper than cleaning up a huge mess.

If it was me, I'd just put in a regular outlet. I did that for my sump pump.

 

[steveo1o9]

Yeah I think the general consensus is to just put a regular outlet in so I guess I might just go that route. I had planned to put in a high level alarm since last summer when the pump died on me so I should just move that up my priority list.

 

[kj_mustang]

All the septic systems in my area with pumps and blowers have a septic control panel with alarms on it.