Troubleshooting a GFCI Problem In a Shed

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

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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

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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.

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.

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