Retail Observer

RETAILOBSERVER.COM JULY 2023 62 A n appliance technician hustles out on a service call for an appliance that's tripping the ground fault. The technician's thoughts go something like: "Arr! Not one of my favorite calls! Are we really going to have an appliance problem, and what could it possibly be? Or is it going to be a faulty GFCI device or wiring problem that will require an electrician? Why can't we just put a regular outlet there instead?" As technicians ourselves and owners of companies that make our living working with specific diagnoses, we want concrete answers and solutions to the problems we face daily. Imagine that we've had a conversation with our customer about the best approach to the repair and what the costs will be. After thoroughly checking the appliance and finding no problem, how do we handle the situation? If the problem is somewhere other than the appliance itself, these conversations can get awkward and complicated. We now call in the electrician, who says there's nothing wrong with the GFCI or the wiring, so it must be the appliance! Let the finger pointing begin – as it usually does. So how can we determine who's right? Very often, the appliance tech and the electrician can both be right at the same time. It seems we have a conflict between physics and technology vs. safety and regulation. Unfortunately, there's currently no incentive to solve the issue. The electrical device manufacturers sell tons of their receptacles to the electrical industry, and safety sells. Electricians are mandated to work within the applicable code for their jurisdiction, with few exceptions. The intentions of the electrical code are good – to keep people safe from shocks and prevent property damage due to shorts. It's hard to argue against keeping people safe, nor should we. But sometimes the good intentions can go too far and actually do harm. The problem is that these devices are being used to shut down appliances that heat and cool, resulting in harm from the non-operation of the appliance. Jurisdictions have enacted GFCI requirements on HVAC equipment, then rolled them back after determining a high potential of deaths from nuisance trips. Refrigerators and freezers may shut down resulting in food spoilage. These are real dangers, added to the inconvenience of having a laundry or cooking appliance randomly shut down. The appliance manufacturers are doing what they can to comply with UL requirements. Without getting too technical, modern appliances are now using high-frequency variable-speed motors, switching power supplies, LED drivers, and other technologies that add to the normal minimal current loss. This current loss is normal, small, and not proven to be a safety hazard. This loss can also cause a GFCI to nuisance-trip. This issue is likely to get much worse before it gets better. The 2017 and 2020 NECs (National Electric Codes) regulate when, where, and how electrical safety devices are used. And a 2023 NEC is coming soon with even more stringent restrictions and an increased call for added devices. So, what are some solutions, going forward? 1. The technician must perform the due diligence of checking the appliance thoroughly for water leaks and safety or electrical problems, and not simply assume that a problem doesn't exist. 2. Contact the appliance manufacturer for a GFCI modification kit or procedure if available. 3. Contact the device manufacturer to supply a different GFCI model. 4. Make sure the device supplying the appliance is on a dedicated circuit, or move the receptacle to a location that doesn't require a GFCI. Check to see if the jurisdiction will permit using the older, less strict NEC. 5. Join and/or make proposals to your state electrical board. 6. Spread the word to your electrician friends in your community. 7. Report nuisance GFCI tripping to AHAM. Go to: aham.org/aham/gfci or scan the QR code. Reports will be sent to appliance manufacturers. Your reports will be used to better understand nuisance tripping. NUISANCE TRIPPING OF GFCIS AND ARC FAULTS PROGRESS OR POLITICS? David Smith Dave Smith Appliance Services LLC Vice President – UASA Board of Directors S E R V I C E D E P A R T M E N T RO

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