GFI tripping with new microwave-electricians?

[muscmp]

Originally Posted by AndreF

Hi Mike,
By definition, a branch circuit consists of all the circuit cconductors located on the load side of the final branch circuit protective device (that's the panel breaker) and all the outlets that these conductors are connected to.
So yes, in your case, installing a new branch circuit for your oven would consist of adding a breaker to the panel, laying out and securing the conductors being protected by that breaker, and installing any outlet at the end of those conductors. Like for example, a GfCi receptacle into which you would be plugging in your new oven.
Electricians do that on a routine basis, so making cutouts and fishing wires accordingly to the new receptacle/outlet is no big deal.
If you have to go to the phone book to find an electrician, make sure they are licensed, and insured.
I probably would just tell the electrician what the deal is, i.e. you got a new oven, want to install it in a certain spot in the kitchen, but it keeps tripping the GFI breaker.
A good electrician can likely quickly determine how many outlets are on that one circuit. He or she should be able to come up with options based on that outcome.
Barring any unforeseen problems in your existing circuitry, the likely scenario would be just to add that new branch circuit, i.e adding a panel breaker (might have to be a new AFCI technology breaker, which is perfectly ok), a new run of wires and GFCI receptacle as an outlet in the kitchen.
Yes, it will likely cost you some bucks, but it's probably well worth it. If possible, get a couple of quotes. Prices could vary a lot, but you need to make sure the people are licensed and legitimate.
If you can't locate anyone to call, what I would do is call your local town or municipality, and ask the electrical inspector for some recommendations on reliable electricians that service the area. They welcome such calls, because they want to make sure that homeowners are dealing with reputable outfits.
Good luck with this, and let us know how it turns out.

andre: that is great info. thank you very much. i'll contact my local people.

[muscmp]

well, after almost one week of cooler weather not one gfi tripping incident. the panel does get a lot of sun exposure but i'm unsure how that comes into play.

note that i'm crossing my fingers as i post this.

play music!

[Gitfiddlemann]

Originally Posted by muscmp

well, after almost one week of cooler weather not one gfi tripping incident. the panel does get a lot of sun exposure but i'm unsure how that comes into play.

note that i'm crossing my fingers as i post this.

play music!

Good news.
Well, if the new oven is the only thing being powered up on that single 15A GFCI circuit at any given moment, then having it not nuisance trip would be normal and expected.
I'm curious about your sun exposure comment though. Usually, panelboards are purposely located away from the elements. Cool cellars and garages are popular spots.
Panel circuit breakers are thermal-magnetic protective devices, so heat (from any source) does play a role in their operation. Not so much the instantaneous magnetic trip portion of their response curve, like in a short circuit condition, but definitely in their thermal overload range.
That poor breaker already seems to be tasked with protecting a lot of kitchen circuits.
Can you share more details about the panel's location, and its exposure to the sun? Do you live in a hot part of the country? During peak sun hours, can you keep your hand comfortably on the panel's door? (Because it will be hotter inside).

[muscmp]

andre: i live in moorpark, california in ventura county. i'm enclosing pictures of the panel and the side of the house. the panel is on the side of the garage and faces 30 degrees north/ northeast. you'll see it is fairly well covered as i took this shot at 3pm, pst. we are only about 80 degrees today. the sun mainly hits it in the morning and evening sun. the pictures are taken facing west so that is pretty hot sun at times. note that my neighbor and are just getting started in getting estimates to tear down the ivy and replace the rotting fence, so, there will be more exposure in the future.

thanks,
mikeB

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[Gitfiddlemann]

Ok, Mike. Thanks for the pics.
80 deg and just sun in the morning and evening shouldn't be an issue. When you go through your ivy clearing plans, do keep in mind the panel's potential exposure to higher heat conditions. I assume that local utility authorities are ok with that, but they might not be aware of your internal circuit layout.
It does appear to me, from the exchanges we've had so far, that there is nothing alarmingly wrong with the situation in your house. However, that one circuit is being asked to do a lot, so just stay mindful of that. If you're cooking something in the new microwave, don't run the vacuum cleaner at the same time...
But if you notice that nuisance tripping from the breaker is becoming an issue, definitely call a good electrician to remedy the situation. Heat is a real stressor for wire insulation, and you want circuits to be running as cool as possible and just undergo normal usage heating. The breaker is there to protect. Since it's a GFCI breaker, I would also periodically test it too, like once a month.
Enjoy your new oven, and stay cool!

[muscmp]

andre: thanks for taking your time to address my gfi issue. i really appreciate it. i'll keep an eye on it and probably get some electrician's names from my local electrical inspector. thanks again,
mike b

play music!

[robj144]

Originally Posted by muscmp

andre: thanks for taking your time to address my gfi issue. i really appreciate it. i'll keep an eye on it and probably get some electrician's names from my local electrical inspector. thanks again,
mike b

play music!

Glad you're starting to figure it out and are getting help, but you owe us a lot of "play music!"'s now. A lot were missing from your posts. You need to double them up now to make up.



I'm just kidding... but it's your staple.

[muscmp]

Originally Posted by robj144

Glad you're starting to figure it out and are getting help, but you owe us a lot of "play music!"'s now. A lot were missing from your posts. You need to double them up now to make up.



I'm just kidding... but it's your staple.

i knew i wasn't including them but since this is open mic, i didn't think it was appropriate for each and every post.

ppppplllllaaaaayyyyy mmmmuuuusssiiiccc! hope that makes up

[Big Band Guitar]

I had the same problem some years ago. I took it back and got another, no more problem.

[muscmp]

Originally Posted by Big Band Guitar

I had the same problem some years ago. I took it back and got another, no more problem.

you took back the gfi breaker?
thanks,
play music!

[Big Band Guitar]

Originally Posted by muscmp

you took back the gfi breaker?
thanks,
play music!

No the Microwave

[muscmp]

Originally Posted by Big Band Guitar

No the Microwave

ok, thanks for the clarification.

play music!