#1 model tripping GCFI's

[swede8a]

All outdoor outlets wired to GCFI outlets. Unit trip GCFI's after ten minutes or so. Any ideas. Once plugged into non GCFI outlet (indoors) unit works fine but the mrs. not big fan of smoke filling up house with door ajar. Can't understand that but need a fix.

 

[Lonzinomaker]

Here's some questions to help us with troubleshooting:
Is there an extension cord?
How old is smoker?
Does heating element glow a solid bright red when heating turned on?
Does anything else trip GFI?

 

[old sarge]

You have the 2D model? See if the GFCI trips if you plug in a toaster oven or iron.    Also, GFCIs have been known to go bad and need replacement.  You might also have a loose wire in the smoker or digital controller.

 

[swede8a]

When I plug in smoker with smoker cord into outside outlet paired with GCFI the unit trips the GCFI dedicated to outdoor outlet.  When I run smoker with extension cord attached to non GCFI outlet inside house the unit works just fine.

I will get an extension cord and plug it into exterior outlet and then plug in smoker to extension cord to see what happens. Will report results.

Unit is 4 years old max.

The light burns bright red when on.

I have tested the GCFI that is dedicated to the outlet on the deck and the GCFI works on other appliances so I think the GCFI is good.

Thanks for your interest.

 

[swede8a]

I plugged extension cord into exterior outlet that is paired with GCFI. Plugged smoker into extension cord. GCFI tripped.

There must be loose wire that is touchy enough to trip GCFI. Works fine on non G FI outlets

 

[Lonzinomaker]

If that is a different GCFI circuit, then I would say you have a problem in the wiring or element.
You could take the back off and disconnect power from element.  Tape over the ends of power lines and plug into GCFI circuit.  If GCFI doesn't trip while element is disconnected, then I would guess element is leaking current through ground even if it glows solid red and shows a good Ohm reading.
If GCFI does trip with element disconnected, then it is probably the cord.

 

[swede8a]

Will give latest suggestion a try and advise. Thanks

 

[swede8a]

What is max amperage that this unit would use. Smokin it says that if it were cord or Element the unit would trip breaker on regular outlets. Unit works on regular outlets but trips all GFI linked outlets.
Changed outdoor outlet linked to GFI and still trips. Will check breaker box to see what size of breakers are on GFI outlets. If 20 amp breaker will switch to 20 amp gfis.

 

[Indy]

6.6 amps. #2d would have a 800 watt element.  W=VA;  800=120A;  800/120 = 6.6amps

It’s common to put a receptacle rated at 15 amps on a 20 amp circuit.  GFCI measures the balance between hot and neutral, if they are not equal they trip. 

So did you try it on different GFCI circuits? Not two outlets on the same circuit?  Like mentioned, take the back off and look for loose connections or missing insulation.  Disconnect the element as Dave suggested.

 

[swede8a]

The receptacle is rated at 15 amps and circuit is on 15 amp breaker. Outlet is on dedicated
Circuit directly to GCFI.
I tried each outlet on outside of house - 3 of them - and they all tripped.

Have taken off back and rescued ground wire. Will see if I can get help to check Element and its wiring.

The unit works fine on outlets not paired with GCFIs.

 

[jjanas]

I was having the same problem. Tripped GCFI but worked when I ran an extension cord to a non-GCFI outlet. I ran a smoke with it like this and the temp was way higher than I had set on the temp controller. I didn't have a thermometer to verify this, but I could tell from the meat.

I replaced the temp controller and that solved the problem. Now the GCFI outlet doesn't trip and the temp seems to be regulating properly. You may need a new temp controller.

 

[old sarge]

Welcome to the forum and good to hear that your smoker is working well.