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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.) <><><>
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LaoIt is not recommended to plug a freezer into a GFCI outlet because the sensitive nature of GFCIs can lead to false trips, causing the freezer to shut off unexpectedly. If your freezer must be plugged into a GFCI outlet due to safety regulations, consider using a dedicated circuit to prevent nuisance trips.
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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?
A warm GFCI outlet could indicate that there is an issue with the wiring or the GFCI itself. It is recommended to stop using the outlet and have it inspected by a qualified electrician to ensure safety and prevent potential hazards like electric shocks or fire.
Do hand dryers in a bathroom need a GFI breaker?
In general, hand dryers in a bathroom do not require a GFCI breaker specifically for the hand dryer itself. However, GFCI protection is required for outlets in bathrooms to ensure safety from electrical hazards, so the outlet where the hand dryer is plugged in should be GFCI protected according to electrical codes.
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.
