Salon GFCI

[Rocky Lou]

Strange behavior with only the Salon GFCI that stops working. However, if I turn on the Galley GFCI, after the Salon GFCI will not repower after hitting the test button, it also won't work. If I then reset the Galley GFCI, the Salon GFCI will then reset...until I turn AC power off to the Galley.

This is a new condition since I always have left the Forward and Salon AC outlets on since they are powering Defhumifiers. It's a small problem since if I leave the Galley on, the Salon will work. That said, I don't like unaddressed electrical problems.

I have a Circuit Analyzer and Multimeter, but, am looking to see if anyone has fixed the issue before. I'll also try replacing the outlet if need be.

 

[Brian John]

Trying to follow your explanation.

Strange behavior with only the Salon GFCI that stops working. However, if I turn on the Galley GFCI, after the Salon GFCI will not repower after hitting the test button, it also won't work. If I then reset the Galley GFCI, the Salon GFCI will then reset...until I turn AC power off to the Galley.

1. The Salon GFCI Trips. What is connected to the Salon GFCI when it trips? Is this a Random trip?
2. You mention hitting the Test Button, do you mean the RESET Button or do you mean the Test Button is not operational?
3. If I turn on the gallery GFCI (You are turning on the circuit breaker or resetting the GFCI) after the Salon GFCI TRIPS(?)
the Salon GFCI will not reset?
4. Resetting the Gallery GFCI and the Salon GFCI can then be reset.

I am assuming these two GFCI receptacles are on two different circuits/circuit breakers?
Also, I am assuming you have disconnected all equipment from the affected GFCIs

Since the circuit breaker(s) are not tripping this has to be

1. Defective GFCI
2. A cross connection of neutral and ground between the circuits.
3. A cross connection of neutrals between the two circuits.

 

[Rocky Lou]

Brian,
Thanks for the helpful and detailed reply. Comments inline:
1. The Salon GFCI Trips. What is connected to the Salon GFCI when it trips? Is this a Random trip?
I have a small Davis Air-Dryr Marine Dehumidifier plugged in. However, I get the same symptoms with nothing plugged in.

2. You mention hitting the Test Button, do you mean the RESET Button or do you mean the Test Button is not operational?
I press the small Test button, then try the larger Reset button. The Reset will not work and the light does not go on (unless I Reset the Galley GFCI).
3. If I turn on the gallery GFCI (You are turning on the circuit breaker or resetting the GFCI) after the Salon GFCI TRIPS(?)
the Salon GFCI will not reset?
First I turn AC power on at the panel, then do a Test/Reset for the Galley GFCI. Everything works after that.

4. Resetting the Galley GFCI and the Salon GFCI can then be reset.
Yes

Next trip to the boat I was going to plug in the Circuit Analyzer, but, have no experience using it. Do you think the CA will find a fault in the Salon GFCI? It's a simple matter to check wiring and change the GFCI.

 

[Brian John]

I have Air dryers and they do not trip the GFCI, though if the GFCI are tripping at less than 4 milliamps the Air dryers might cause a tripping issue.

I doubt the circuit analyzer willl help. Depending on the model some have an adjustable trip test setting that would determine if the GFCI was tripping within the prescribed

Though I am not a big believer in repair by random replacement, an easy starting point would be replacing the GFCIs.

For me my next step would be isolating the neutrals in panel and testing them for continuity to ground. But that is involved and takes some knowledge of how the boat is wired.