Troubleshooting a GFCI Problem In a Shed
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Lee in San Jose, California asks: How to Troubleshoot GFCI Circuit Wiring: Methods of GFCI Protected Wiring, Troubleshooting GFCI Circuit Wiring in a Shed. © By: Dave Rongey |
GFCI Wiring for a Shed
Electrical Question: I installed a new electrical circuit to my shed and I need some advice.
- I have a 12/2 with ground running from the circuit breaker to and through a GFCI outlet and on direct via underground conduit pipe to the shed.
- When I plug an outlet analyzer into outlets in the shed it shows correct wiring (2 green lights). However, when I accidentally touched the neutral wire I got a tingle. Not a shock but definitely a small current.
- I believed that the GFCI is supposed to trip if it detects any potential between ground and neutral. First, is that correct?
- Does it sound like there is anything wrong with my circuit in the shed?
- Also, the GFCI has tripped for no apparent reason a couple of times.
Thanks.
This Home Electrical wiring question came from: Lee, a Homeowner from San Jose, California.
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Lee.
Electrical Troubleshooting GFCI Circuit Wiring
Application: Installing a 120 Volt Circuit for a Shed.
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced – Best installed by a Licensed Electrical Contractor.
Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools.
Estimated Time: Depends on the personal level of experience, ability to work with tools and install electrical circuit wiring.
Precaution: Identify the panel circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the circuit wiring.
Notice: Installing additional circuit wiring for a shed should be done according to local and national electrical codes with a permit and be inspected.
Installing GFCI Protected Wiring for a Shed
- GFCI Wiring
- This list of articles will help you learn about the features and benefits provided by GFI and GFCI Receptacles and how they are wired.
How to Troubleshoot GFCI Circuit Wiring for a Shed
- Electrical Circuit Wiring Problem
- From the information provided with this question it appears that there is a problem with the electrical circuit wiring or wire connections of the GFCI outlet.
- GFCI Protection
- The GFCI should not be tripping and the fact that it has been tripping for no apparent reason is enough indication that there is a problem.
- When properly wired, a GFCI outlet will trip off when current is detected between the circuit power source and any source that is grounded.
- Electrical Wiring and Potential Shock
IMPORTANT: Electrical shock hazards are possible from the power conductor of a circuit or a neutral conductor of a circuit.- Electrical Shock from a Neutral Wire
- EXAMPLE: Contact with a neutral wire should not produce an electric shock unless:
- There is an existing load on the circuit
- And your body is providing a low resistance path to any ground source.
- Or your body has been placed in the center of the path between two neutral conductors which are part of an energized circuit that has a current load.
- EXAMPLE: Contact with a neutral wire should not produce an electric shock unless:
- Electrical Shock from a Neutral Wire
IMPORTANT: When an electrical project such as this is installed according to electrical code, with a permit through the local building department, and the project was inspected then the chance that there would be an electrical problem would be significantly low.
More about Electrical Wiring for a Shed
GFCI Wiring
This list of articles will help you learn about the features and benefits provided by GFI and GFCI Receptacles and how they are wired.
- Electric Circuit Listing
- The size of the home electrical service panel is designed by calculating the square footage of the home and factoring in the code requirements for the electrical circuits that are required.
- Electrical Wiring Protection using Circuit Breakers
- A guide to home electrical circuit breakers and how they work to protect your electrical wiring. When properly installed, your home electrical wiring is protected by a circuit protection device.
- Electrical Wire for the Home
- Complete listing of electrical wire types and parts used for home projects with electrical code information serves as selection guidelines.
Home Electrical Codes
Electrical Code Directory covering electrical boxes, GFCI Outlets, electrical circuits, and electrical wiring methods.
The following may also be helpful for you:
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Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.
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