Electrician Help

[rosslonghorns]

I replaced the wall outlet I have my 30 gallon running off of with a GFCI. Since the outlet was in the middle of a run, I used the line for the incoming and load for the outgoing. However, downstream from the outlet is a light/fan combo that every time the remote is used to turn it on, it will trip the GFCI. After doing some research it looks like this is common for light/fan units.

Does an option exist to wire a GFCI however NOT protecting downstream? I was thinking to connect white to white and black to black with a jumper for each into the line of the GFCI. This would NOT protect downstream but not sure if code allows this.

Any electricians on ARC that could provide some feedback on this option or appropriate option to wire?

[jestep]

Not a residential electrician, so may want additional clarification. But the way I understand it, is that any outlets connected downline on the same circuit must be connected inline protected by the GFCI.

I have this same problem with my shed. I needed to install an outlet outside at my house, so I went and installed a weatherproof external box on the exterior of my house on the same circuit that goes out to my shed. When I was wiring the new GFCI outlet, I found out that somewhere below the outlet there is a neutral to ground short which prevents the GFCI from operating, so it automatically trips as soon as it is reset. I could simply wire the 2 outlets in parallel using a junction box above the GFCI outlet, but in my research this definitely isn't allowed in any building code that I can find.

I think the official way to remedy this is either do not use a GFCI outlet and instead use a GFCI power strip, depending on location such as in a kitchen or outside this could be a code violation in itself, or run a separate line to your junction box and add another breaker to properly separate the circuits, preferred, but potentially a lot of work if even possible.

[rosslonghorns]

Not a residential electrician, so may want additional clarification. But the way I understand it, is that any outlets connected downline on the same circuit must be connected inline protected by the GFCI.

I have this same problem with my shed. I needed to install an outlet outside at my house, so I went and installed a weatherproof external box on the exterior of my house on the same circuit that goes out to my shed. When I was wiring the new GFCI outlet, I found out that somewhere below the outlet there is a neutral to ground short which prevents the GFCI from operating, so it automatically trips as soon as it is reset. I could simply wire the 2 outlets in parallel using a junction box above the GFCI outlet, but in my research this definitely isn't allowed in any building code that I can find.

I think the official way to remedy this is either do not use a GFCI outlet and instead use a GFCI power strip, depending on location such as in a kitchen or outside this could be a code violation in itself, or run a separate line to your junction box and add another breaker to properly separate the circuits, preferred, but potentially a lot of work if even possible.

I haven't found anything concrete in my browsing online. I didn't think it was to code to use jumpers to bypass the GFCI for downstream. I was thinking about running a dedicated breaker for the tank but was hoping for a more cost effective solution. I need to get into the attic to see how involved it will be as I do have additional space in breaker box to fit it.

[Isaac]

if you just want the GFCI for that single outlet, you need to wire the "downrun" on the same connection in "in" is used. You are essentially using the "in" side of the gfci as a junction. dont put anything on the "load" side of things, the GFCI controls that side.

might be late, but best bet for aquariums is to use one of these: http://amzn.com/B000XU5MEG gfci's have a finite number of test/resets. these plugs are a little easier to replace

[jestep]

if you just want the GFCI for that single outlet, you need to wire the "downrun" on the same connection in "in" is used. You are essentially using the "in" side of the gfci as a junction. dont put anything on the "load" side of things, the GFCI controls that side.

Do you know if this is in compliance with electrical code? I think that's what the main issue is. When I did my outdoor one, everything I read suggested it is not allowed, or at least not allowed in my situation. I don't think I bookmarked the discussions and references I had so can't post links to what I was seeing at the same time.

[rosslonghorns]

if you just want the GFCI for that single outlet, you need to wire the "downrun" on the same connection in "in" is used. You are essentially using the "in" side of the gfci as a junction. dont put anything on the "load" side of things, the GFCI controls that side.

Do you know if this is in compliance with electrical code? I think that's what the main issue is. When I did my outdoor one, everything I read suggested it is not allowed, or at least not allowed in my situation. I don't think I bookmarked the discussions and references I had so can't post links to what I was seeing at the same time.

This is what I was trying to explain in my original thread.

You have a black / white (hot / neutral) coming into the plug box from the breaker. You also have a black / white (hot / neutral) going out of the plug box to supply downstream. I originally had incoming (into line of GFCI plug) and outgoing (into load of GFCI plug) and was having the issue with the downstream fan tripping the GFCI. The only way I'm aware of wiring it with both on line side of GFCI plug is a jumper, where the two blacks are wired together with adding a third small stretch that would go into the line of the GFCI plug (same with whites).

The ultimate question is would this be compliant to code if wired in this way.

[rosslonghorns]

Hopefully this visual will help. Pardon the rough paint work!

Scenario 1 is the setup per the GFCI instructions however downstream fan is tripping the GFCI with EVERY USE!

Scenario 2 was my thought given my electrical experience and looking for any help from professionals on if this is a proper way and to code to wire the GFCI that would allow for the plug to be protected however downstream items WILL NOT be protected by GFCI.

[Isaac]

if you just want the GFCI for that single outlet, you need to wire the "downrun" on the same connection in "in" is used. You are essentially using the "in" side of the gfci as a junction. dont put anything on the "load" side of things, the GFCI controls that side.

Do you know if this is in compliance with electrical code? I think that's what the main issue is. When I did my outdoor one, everything I read suggested it is not allowed, or at least not allowed in my situation. I don't think I bookmarked the discussions and references I had so can't post links to what I was seeing at the same time.

If its inside the box, its to code. the screw can have 2 leads on it safely (3 if it has the slide in hole) and up to 4, depending on wire size. I'm betting this is how the outlet was wired w/ the normal plug before the gfci was placed there anyways, so why is this in question? Your house has this "in-line" receptacles and switches on /every/ circuit (maybe not the fridge or disposal ones)