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Re: GFCI and Generators

Subject: Re: GFCI and Generators
From: John
Date: Wed, 27 Sep 2006 18:38:01 -0400
Newsgroups: sci.electronics.repair
On Sun, 24 Sep 2006 00:34:36 -0400, fmmck@xxxxxxx (Fred McKenzie)
wrote:

>I have a portable 120 Volt generator intended for use by contractors, that
>has a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) duplex outlet.  It also has
>an L5-30 twist-lock outlet that is not connected to the GFCI.
>
>Using the twist-lock outlet for my load tests, the GFCI outlet will
>occasionally trip with nothing plugged into it.  I assume the generator's
>vibration is causing it to trip.
>
>My question:  Is this a common problem with generators, or is my GFCI
>outlet just defective?  If I install a new one, is it likely to exhibit
>the same spurious tripping?
>
>Having tripped them myself when making dumb mistakes, I can appreciate
>their value.  However, frequent spurious tripping is very inconvenient!
>
>Fred

It's entirely possible that the GFCI outlet is feeding the twist-lock
receptacle - most GFCI outlets can be used in pass-through mode.

Check the wiring on the generator.

John


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