APC makes quality UPS and Surge Suppressors for home use. I ran into a problem connecting an APC surge suppressor to a quality Generac 8KW generator. With almost no load the surge suppressor kept causing GFCI outlets on the generator to trip. Given the circumstances, all pertinent facts, led me to believe there was an issue with the surge suppressors in general and GFCI outlets.
Searching the APC website revealed the following information. It seems I was right, surge suppressors can cause GFCI outlets to trip. The problem happens instantaneously. On power up something in a surge suppressors design causes the current sensing of the GFCI to see a short where none exists.
BUT... not all GFCI outlets are susceptible to this problem. This statement by the company APC (on their website) that mentions this issue.
https://www.apc.com/us/en/faqs/FA158850/
GFCI circuit breaker trips after UPS or SurgeArrest
Issue:
GFI outlet, circuit breaker trips after UPS or SurgeArrest is connected.
Product Line:
Back-UPS Models ES,CS,NS,XS and RS. Surge Surpressors; All Product Families
Environment:
Surge or Back-UPS plugged in to GFCI outlet.
Cause:
A ground fault interrupter (GFI) is a safety device required by the National Electrical Code. Its purpose is to avert personal injury. Some GFI devices are poorly calibrated and trip prematurely.
Resolution:
You can try to replace the GFCI device and see if this solves the problem. Try a different brand if possible. If the outlet is not in a bathroom or kitchen, you can consider changing the circuit to a non-GFCI receptacle or breaker. The circuit breaker type GFCI devices are generally of higher quality and are recommended as being more immune to this type of problem.
@Neb @dademoss
Searching the APC website revealed the following information. It seems I was right, surge suppressors can cause GFCI outlets to trip. The problem happens instantaneously. On power up something in a surge suppressors design causes the current sensing of the GFCI to see a short where none exists.
BUT... not all GFCI outlets are susceptible to this problem. This statement by the company APC (on their website) that mentions this issue.
https://www.apc.com/us/en/faqs/FA158850/
GFCI circuit breaker trips after UPS or SurgeArrest
Issue:
GFI outlet, circuit breaker trips after UPS or SurgeArrest is connected.
Product Line:
Back-UPS Models ES,CS,NS,XS and RS. Surge Surpressors; All Product Families
Environment:
Surge or Back-UPS plugged in to GFCI outlet.
Cause:
A ground fault interrupter (GFI) is a safety device required by the National Electrical Code. Its purpose is to avert personal injury. Some GFI devices are poorly calibrated and trip prematurely.
Resolution:
You can try to replace the GFCI device and see if this solves the problem. Try a different brand if possible. If the outlet is not in a bathroom or kitchen, you can consider changing the circuit to a non-GFCI receptacle or breaker. The circuit breaker type GFCI devices are generally of higher quality and are recommended as being more immune to this type of problem.
@Neb @dademoss
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