Range Hood & GFI Tripping

Users who are viewing this thread

tsingerjr

New Member
Messages
25
Reaction score
0
Points
1
Location
New Jersey
Hey There! We recently have been experiencing an issue when we turn on the lights on our range hood , it causes the GFI connected to it to flash and trip. I replaced the GFI and it still is occurring. The range hood is about 7 years old. 12awg with a 20 amp breaker. Its the only 2 things on that circuit. Not sure if their is a way to test the wiring, gut its all behind a tile back splash, which is a whole other dilemma.

thanks,
Tommy
 

wwhitney

In the Trades
Messages
6,532
Reaction score
1,822
Points
113
Location
Berkeley, CA
If we trust that the GFCI is working properly, your symptoms would suggest that some internal wiring to the light sockets has frayed against the frame of the range hood. Which is certainly plausible.

Where is this GFCI and is it a receptacle or a dead front? Is the range hood cord and plug connected to a GFCI receptacle? Does it have an integrated microwave, or is it just a range hood?

Cheers, Wayne
 

Reach4

Well-Known Member
Messages
38,795
Reaction score
4,413
Points
113
Location
IL
We recently have been experiencing an issue when we turn on the lights on our range hood , it causes the GFI connected to it to flash and trip.
GFI flashes? Amplify on that. I think you imply you can see the GFI, and that suggests this GFI unit is built into an outlet.

Not sure if their is a way to test the wiring, gut its all behind a tile back splash, which is a whole other dilemma.
There may be a short in the range hood. That seems more likely than the wiring.

So what kind of info are you seeking? How to troubleshoot this yourself with an ohmmeter, or what?
 

tsingerjr

New Member
Messages
25
Reaction score
0
Points
1
Location
New Jersey
If we trust that the GFCI is working properly, your symptoms would suggest that some internal wiring to the light sockets has frayed against the frame of the range hood. Which is certainly plausible.

Where is this GFCI and is it a receptacle or a dead front? Is the range hood cord and plug connected to a GFCI receptacle? Does it have an integrated microwave, or is it just a range hood?

Cheers, Wayne
 

tsingerjr

New Member
Messages
25
Reaction score
0
Points
1
Location
New Jersey
Hey Wayne, that appears to be the exact cause. Both neutral wires going to the light sockets appear do be contacting the frame. Thanks!
 

Attachments

  • 20210322_095247.jpg
    20210322_095247.jpg
    51.2 KB · Views: 209
  • 20210322_102302.jpg
    20210322_102302.jpg
    47.5 KB · Views: 213
  • 20210322_102318.jpg
    20210322_102318.jpg
    48 KB · Views: 205

wwhitney

In the Trades
Messages
6,532
Reaction score
1,822
Points
113
Location
Berkeley, CA
The discoloration also suggests the wiring is getting hotter than it should. If you put in a bigger halogen bulb than the rating, it would cause that. From the pictures it appears that the sockets came with wiring pigtails that are connected (probably soldered) to the internal wiring at those points wrapped in black electrical tape.

So my suggestion for you or a person competent to do electrical repairs would be getting new sockets with pigtails and cutting off the socket pigtails on the supply side of the current connections. You'd need to figure out how to make the new connections; I'd be happy with using Wago 221 connectors. And then either use smaller halogen bulbs, or LED bulbs. [And the latter provides the possibility of changing/eliminating the socket while you are at it.]

Cheers, Wayne
 
Top
Hey, wait a minute.

This is awkward, but...

It looks like you're using an ad blocker. We get it, but (1) terrylove.com can't live without ads, and (2) ad blockers can cause issues with videos and comments. If you'd like to support the site, please allow ads.

If any particular ad is your REASON for blocking ads, please let us know. We might be able to do something about it. Thanks.
I've Disabled AdBlock    No Thanks