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<><><> Whether or not your freezer should be protected by a GFCI depends on the locality (Town/State) where you live. The latest Wiring Codes or Regulations in some localities insist that GFCIs must be used to protect appliances in any room or area where there are pipes supplying running water, such as a kitchen or utility room, or in any area which can be subject to water splashes or spray, such as a bathroom, a shower room or any "outside" area such as on the exterior wall of a house, in a garden or by a pool.
The additional current drawn when a freezer's compressor motor starts up shouldn't cause a GFCI to trip because the current should always be the same in both the "hot" and the "neutral" wires.
One possible reason a GFCI might trip when the compressor motor starts up could be because the motor has a fault which only happens when the motor "shakes" during start-up. Such extra vibration at start-up is quite normal - and should not cause any current to leak to Ground - but this can sometimes happen if the wiring to the motor was done carelessly or its wiring's insulation has gotten worn-through at some point because of the vibration taking place over a long period of time. The answer to the Related Question shown below has detailed information about the way that GFCIs and RCDs operate.
<><><> No, unless it is equipped with a soft start compressor motor the freezer's compressor will draw additional power when it starts up likely causing the gfci to trip. same is true for refrigerators. (a common catch-22 is that if the receptacle is in a wet location or concrete floor location, like a garage, the NEC requires it to be GFCI protected.) <><><>
What else can I help you with?
Does a microwave have to be plugged into a GFCI outlet?
It is not required for a microwave to be plugged into a GFCI outlet, but it is recommended for safety reasons, especially in locations like kitchens or bathrooms where there may be water present. GFCI outlets help protect against electrical shocks in wet environments.
Do you need a gfi plug for a spa if it is being plugged into a gfi circuit?
Yes, it is recommended to have a GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) protection for a spa even if it is being plugged into a GFCI circuit. This redundancy provides an extra layer of safety in case of any issues with the existing circuit.
Gfci outlet feels warm to the touch?
It is normal for GFCI breakers and receptacles to feel warm to the touch while under load. They should not feel "hot". GFCI receptacles often protect other receptacles further down the line, so the load does not necessarily need to be plugged into the GFCI receptacle itself. AFCI breakers will also feel warm to the touch. Again the receptacles should not feel "hot". If they are hot or heat discolored, you should discontinue use and call a licensed electrician. C. P., Master Electrician
Do hand dryers in a bathroom need a GFI breaker?
Make sure that all electrical outlets in the bathroom are grounded to prevent electrical shock. When in doubt, consult an electrician and have a GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) outlet installed.
What happens when you plug a GFCI protected extension cord into an outlet that is GFCI protected?
When a GFCI-protected extension cord is plugged into an outlet that is also GFCI protected, it provides an additional layer of protection against electric shock. Both devices work in conjunction to quickly detect any imbalance in the electrical current and trip the circuit if necessary. This redundancy helps ensure increased safety against electrical hazards.
Does a refrigerator need a GFCI outlet?
No, a refrigerator does not typically need to be plugged into a GFCI outlet.
What happens if you trip a GFCI repeatedly on purpose?
Every time you trip the GFCI, the power to the device plugged into it will lose its supply voltage.
Does a microwave have to be plugged into a GFCI outlet?
It is not required for a microwave to be plugged into a GFCI outlet, but it is recommended for safety reasons, especially in locations like kitchens or bathrooms where there may be water present. GFCI outlets help protect against electrical shocks in wet environments.
Do you need a gfi plug for a spa if it is being plugged into a gfi circuit?
Yes, it is recommended to have a GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) protection for a spa even if it is being plugged into a GFCI circuit. This redundancy provides an extra layer of safety in case of any issues with the existing circuit.
Could you show me an electrical drawing of a circuit with GFCI protecting a switch?
GFCI's are not used to protect a switch they are used to protect an outlet where something is plugged in.
How much voltage can be plugged into a rooftop unit with a GFCI outlet?
read the manufacturer's nameplate on the unit.
Is it ok to use an electrical power tool on a dock that is over water?
Only if they are plugged into a GFCI.
Why does the reset button on a wall outlet pop out when something is plugged into it?
Assume this is a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlet. The GFCI looks for current that is flowing to ground, in a manner that could result in electrical shock to a user. The appliance that is being plugged in could be defective, the wiring connected to the load side of the GFCI may be incorrect, or the GFCI outlet could be defective. Try using another appliance. If the GFCI holds, the first appliance is most likely the cause.
Why can't you freeze chicken on the bone?
The freezer ain't plugged in.
Why does the GFCI keep tripping even when nothing is plugged in?
The GFCI may be tripping even when nothing is plugged in due to a faulty wiring connection, moisture or water exposure, or a ground fault in the electrical system. It is important to have a qualified electrician inspect and repair the issue to ensure safety.
Gfci outlet feels warm to the touch?
It is normal for GFCI breakers and receptacles to feel warm to the touch while under load. They should not feel "hot". GFCI receptacles often protect other receptacles further down the line, so the load does not necessarily need to be plugged into the GFCI receptacle itself. AFCI breakers will also feel warm to the touch. Again the receptacles should not feel "hot". If they are hot or heat discolored, you should discontinue use and call a licensed electrician. C. P., Master Electrician
Do hand dryers in a bathroom need a GFI breaker?
Make sure that all electrical outlets in the bathroom are grounded to prevent electrical shock. When in doubt, consult an electrician and have a GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) outlet installed.
