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Appliances and GFCI circuits.
By: Patrick Mahoney
Owner/Operator
of SHERLOCK HOME INSPECTOR
Q.
Our home inspector said that we should not plug our deep freeze
into a GFCI circuit, because it could trip while we are away, and ruin our
food. Is this correct?
A.
Yes, your home inspector is correct.
Appliances such as refrigerators and freezers or medical equipment
that must remain running should never be connected to GFCI outlets.
The reason for this is that GFCI outlets can trip without warning
shutting off power to the appliance.
GFCI outlets are very sensitive to changes in their environment,
and can trip under various conditions.
These outlets when placed outside or in garages can trip during
rainy weather, because there is too much moisture in the air.
GFCI outlets that are wired to other similar devices can turn off
when one of the other outlets trips.
Under normal circumstances, GFCI outlets are perfectly suited for
such things as small appliances, bathrooms, kitchens and exterior devices
such as hedge trimmers and power tools.
When used properly, GFCI outlets are life savers, but because they
are so sensitive and prone to tripping without warning, they are ill
suited for appliances which must remain on at all times.
www.SherlockHomeInspector.com
Article: Appliances
and GFCI circuits by Patrick Mahoney Ó 2004 |
