GFCI Not Tripping, Sparking Wires

[Molo]

Hello,

We have a box fan that has the insulation worn off from it's cord exposing the hot and neutral wires. Three times they have contacted and sparked but have never tripped the new GFCI they are plugged into.

-Why wouldn't it trip the GFCI?

-Would it trip an AFCI?

Thanks in Advance

 

[Reach4]

Why wouldn't it trip the GFCI?

The short was not to ground.

Would it trip an AFCI?

It should.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Stuff]

1 - Get a new box fan. Easier and cheaper than dealing with an insurance settlement after a fire.
2 - There are lots of debates about when an AFCI will trip. Reportedly some "sparks" won't do it because it doesn't sense the right type of arcing.

 

[hj]

If YOU touched the hot wire, it should trip, but to quote Dirty Harry Callahan, "Do you feel lucky?"

 

[Molo]

1 - Get a new box fan. Easier and cheaper than dealing with an insurance settlement after a fire.
2 - There are lots of debates about when an AFCI will trip. Reportedly some "sparks" won't do it because it doesn't sense the right type of arcing.

Thanks, and yes, the box fan is done.
Your response touched on a subject I was hoping might become part of the discussion; The quality of AFCIs by manufacturer and which are the most reliable.
Any discussion of AFCI quality would be very helpful.

 

[Stuff]

Not much consensus on brands though everyone seems to have a favorite. You normally don't have a choice as you need to buy what brand is rated/listed for your panel.

First there was the original AFCI, then requirements changed to use combination type AFCIs by 2008. Since then most manufacturers came out with a second generation of combination AFCIs that aren't as sensitive to false trips. Lastly there now are dual function AFCI/GFCI breakers.

 

[Jadnashua]

A GFCI is neither a circuit breaker nor able to detect shorts as long as whatever current goes out L, goes to N instead of ground. The test button applies a high resistance short between L and ground (and may do other things), so that there's an imbalance on the L-N connection , which should trip the thing. It simulates some of that power being diverted though say you, to ground.

 

[WorthFlorida]

When in doubt test the GFCI with its test button. GFCI's can fail and if you cannot get it to trip with the test button, some are hard to push to test, get a GFCI tester as shown. They're less than $10 at HD and every toolbox should have one. At least once a year go around the home and test all GFCI's especially those that are outside the home such as in the garage, on an exterior wall of the home or near pool equipment.