Of course I plugged it right into the power strip before reading the instructions. I have 2 concerns: 1) Most kitchens appliances operate at about 15 amperes. If all the electronics are relatively low power it is fine. I also noticed recently that the patio outlet(not GFCI) works sporadically. please explain why down-voted, how is one to learn otherwise? If there are MOVs between power and ground, there could also be some leakage through those. Simply press the test button and this will trigger a snap sound which indicates that the outlet has tripped. Once the power trips, you can check the efficiency of the GFCI unit using a voltage meter. GFCI outlets (and breakers) are required to be tested monthly. How critical is it to declare the manufacturer part number for a component within the BOM? If you have the plug at rather crooked angle when you start to plug the plug in, you may get a little sparking. Does it return? We were just cleaning up, using some wire ties and what not. The circuit should have a … into a GFCI outlet it is normally a really bad idea because of where GFCIs are normally required: bathrooms and kitchens. Christmas tree lights are not an exception. Allow bash script to be run as root, but not sudo. Stack Exchange network consists of 176 Q&A communities including Stack Overflow, the largest, most trusted online community for developers to learn, share their knowledge, and build their careers. Also; yes, there are NEWER requirements for spacing of receptacles that might make this unnecessary, but that was not always the case. GFCI combination switch and outlet to fully switched protected outlet. Step 3 Unplug the extension cord or the power strip from the wall outlet when not in use. Never Use a Damaged Power Strip. If too many appliances start at the same time?? The distance between the 2 sockets of a GFCI outlet are different then for a plain outlet, so a multi-plug adaptor won't fit. It seems that there might be a negative interaction between the surge-protected power strips and the gfci e.g. Of the first two votes to close, 1 is for not being about electronic design, theory etc. If you are unsure of whether connecting a power strip to an extension cord is a plausible solution in your particular situation, or if you have experienced any sparking or blowing of fuses, you should contact a professional electrician for help. Gas Dryer suddenly trips any GFCI Outlet immediately upon being plugged in, but works fine in non GFCI, How to wire a switch-controlled GCFI but retain downstream protection even with switch off. Now plug in a device into the outlet and when it stops working, press the test button so you can be sure of … While one can plug an extension cord, power strip, etc. A phone line connection to a computer can be a surge entry point if the ground reference between the power connection and the phone diverge. Not necessarily. Paint texture getting rough at second coat. So I don't see any reason not to try this combination. And "MOVs", sorry, what are these? If he wanted six outlets there, he/she would have designed six there. Yes, the GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupt) outlet works the same as a standard outlet, but with some added safety electronics. Identify location (and painter) of old painting. If motor loads are on the same circuit a plug in or power strip surge suppressor may be the only way to protect the equipment but once they start tripping the GFCI protective device they will need to be replaced. Do I need to install GFCI outlets at each location for switched garage lights? While it possible to plug a surge protector power strip into a two prong outlet if you remove the ground prong on the cord or use an adapter (also called a “cheater plug”) at the receptacle outlet, it won’t function properly. GFCIs are generally only needed where water can be present. You can tell these outlets from a non-GFCI outlet because they will have two buttons in the middle, red and black. Is there a word for the object of a dilettante? How credible are the rumors that the NSA has compromised IPSec? If the power strip needs to be at the end of the circuit, plug the extension cord into the wall outlet, and then plug the power strip into the receptacle end of the extension cord. This question is merely a call to speculation about a fuzzy situation with no details at all given to suggest anything about what is going on. Can You Plug a Surge Protector Into an Extension Cord? Perhaps this is a bad assumption? It only takes a minute to sign up. This will not harm you as long as you are holding the insulated plug of the cord. However: 1) Any surge being shunted aside might cause the GFCI to pop. Also try using less computers and devices on one circuit. Why is the Pauli exclusion principle not considered a sixth force of nature? Robotechnics & Space Missions; Why is the physical presence of people in spacecraft still necessary? all it takes is a small power Spike from something turning on or turning off like the AC unit. It may be an accumulation from multiple devices or one in particular may be causing issues. It only takes a minute to sign up. So a +1 from me....I'd actually like to know the answer. Why would a GFCI trip on refrigerator circuit? Thanks for contributing an answer to Home Improvement Stack Exchange! Not everyone does that, but nonetheless, it is a requirement if you read the instructions that came with them. Should the first bin of a 3 bin compost system be bigger than the other two? Old house, no ground wire, hoping for protection of new computer? You decide to plug in two heaters, it's melting and GFC is a false security. The only thing plugged into the outlet … Why are most discovered exoplanets heavier than Earth? Also, if you get too close to this mess you may never see those you love again. You want to be mindful of how many things you are plugging in, and what they are. You probably know that electricity requires a complete circuit. Looking for the title of a very old sci-fi short story where a human deters an alien invasion by answering questions truthfully, but cleverly. Never use a three to two prong plug adapter! Out of sight, out of mind. An overloaded power outlet can cause a tripped circuit breaker, increase your risk for electrocution, or start a fire. It has a refrigerator plugged into it, but nothing else that runs constantly. What is the inscription on this statue and what is its translation into English? The Tripp Lite is a very worthy addition to your aquarium setup. LaTeX \newcommand recursion gets very slow. On paper, yes, you can. The ground fault circuit interrupter in our upstairs bathroom shut off the power to the outlet. The spark that you were seeing is the result of electrical current flow because the laptop power supply was sending energy to the components right away. This will dump spikes on the line and from other branch circuits that may generate spikes but will not protect fully if a motor load is on the same branch circuit. If you feel that is a must, simply buy one of these inline GFCI cords and plug the power strip into it. Can I plug a multi-outlet adapter into a GFCI outlet? I saw he had a small yellow GFCI plug in adapter with his power strip plugged into that. Problem plugging surge protected power strip into gfci outlet? If you have questions about the amount of equipment that may be plugged into an outlet or power strip, contact EH&S. Of course, a big question you might have is whether or not surge protectors and extension cords can peacefully coexist, and the answer is: technically, yes, but you shouldn’t. Is it okay to plug a surge protector strip into a surge suppressing power outlet? They are also to be used for low amperage things. Could 1950s technology detect / communicate with satellites in the solar system? Could I get in trouble for insulting an arbiter during a tournament round? 2) Kitchen receptacles are split. Needing to plug a device in when there is no outlet nearby is a frustrating experience most people can relate to. Is the brass brazier required for the Find Familiar spell, or can it be replaced by a spellcasting focus/component pouch? To learn more, see our tips on writing great answers. How to avoid robots from indexing pages of my app through alternate URLs? I replaced the 15A GFCI outlet with a 20A GFCI outlet, but it still trips, about once a week. MOVs are metal oxide varistors. excessive tripping of gfci or even wearing out of the gfci. Having a second power bar just increases the chance of trying to pull too much power because you can put more stuff at once. In my house built in 1910, there was only one receptacle for 15 linear feet of counter space. For what it's worth, I ended up liking this item better for my needs: Hi and welcome to DIYSE I don't know if your statement is accurate but anyway try "You could get an adapter with one set of prongs" we promote positive answers. It seems that there might be a negative interaction between the surge-protected power strips and the gfci e.g. You can absolutely plug in an extension cord to the GFCI outlet, and as long as the GFCI outlet was wired correctly, the GFCI protection extends to all the devices plugged into it. A GFCI is really a quite simple thing. If your surge protector has a amperage leak somewhere, it will trip. Does the multi-plug tap connect the top and bottom back together again? That will bond the generator’s floating neutral to chassis ground and correct the outlet readings. 2) MOVs do eventually take enough surges to start to fail. You can find a complete explanation on the internet. Is the brass brazier required for the Find Familiar spell, or can it be replaced by a spellcasting focus/component pouch? Note: Some outlets will enable you to simply strip the ends of the wire and insert it into the push-in holes on the back of the receptacle. The garage outlet is a GFCI outlet and it keeps tripping, about once a week. Unlike the previous answer that suggested a six outlet cover with the screw in the middle, the project I provide below would actually fit into a Decora-style receptacle (outlet) such as a GFCI. @cbmeeks: maybe read the hover text of the downvote button. I plug in multiple computers into some of these outlets and use power strips to do this, but it seems there might be a problem occasionally with this. Thanks for the answer; keep 'em coming. Should the first bin of a 3 bin compost system be bigger than the other two? How to add a gfci and surge protector to pool pump line? Don’t Use A Power Strip With A Damaged Power Cord Or Receptacles. As ehsjr said "the only thing you can do for PC protection is install point of use surge protectors". I only allow computer equipment and lights to be plugged into a power strip. In my science classroom all outlets on the lab benches are gfci protected--that's great. To subscribe to this RSS feed, copy and paste this URL into your RSS reader. Actually residential surge protectors have 2 metal oxide varistors, 1 from hot to ground and 1 from neutral to ground. With no ground you still need a GFCI. site design / logo © 2020 Stack Exchange Inc; user contributions licensed under cc by-sa. 2 Prong Power Strip, 3 Prong Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip with 4 USB Charging Ports, 6.6ft Long Extension Cord for Smartphone Home Office Desktop, Black 4.7 out of 5 stars 683 $21.99 $ 21 . "grep string | grep string" with awk without pipe, Paint texture getting rough at second coat. 10 Things Never to Plug into a Power Strip No matter where you live—house, apartment, dorm room, mobile home—one factor remains constant: There never seem to be enough power outlets. Even the implied question is maybe "why does the gfci trigger so often" or maybe the real question this wants us to answer is something else? I plug in multiple computers into some of these outlets and use power strips to do this, but it seems there might be a problem occasionally with this. How can I add a GFCI receptacle on a circuit with split receptacles? If you plug in two heaters, your breaker (not GFCI). The only thing this power strip is missing is GFCI protection. The only safety issue you might run into is trying to pull too much power. Again, though, that's the GFCI working as designed and telling you that the surge suppressor is no longer trustworthy. It can be an accumulation of multiple devices. Why is the Pauli exclusion principle not considered a sixth force of nature? These 2 components are commonly used in residential and commercial electrical power distribution systems, yes? HOWEVER, my question assumed 'generic' designs of surge protection circuits in inexpensive power strips and also generic designs of gfci. The ground prong on the cord is there because surge protectors divert excess current to ground during a surge. In general, you will see more sparking in older homes than new ones, but even new ones may have this issue in some cases. 6. Yes, it can get wet on a kitchen counter, but... it's plugged into a GFCI! it. Your power strip, and any aquarium equipment that is plugged in, is now protected by a GFCI. While a fuse’s purpose is primarily to protect a house from an electrical fire, a GFCI outlet’s purpose is to protect YOU from being electrocuted. He did not have 1 drip loop either which I thought was very dangerous, so I … Use and troubleshooting of consumer products is often voted for closure, particularly when there is no clear answer likely, but only various speculations on possibilities. After taking several hits some MOV's start conducting to ground at lower voltages until they fail. Can one build a "mechanical" universal turing machine? Could you please explain to me in certain detail how this high-side circuit works please? site design / logo © 2020 Stack Exchange Inc; user contributions licensed under cc by-sa. If the outlet is not working properly it can be as irritating as if the outlet wasn't present. I know it has power to it because when I put the plug in the lamp lights up. A properly designed surge suppressor shouldn't leak enough current to be a problem, under normal circumstances. Besides that, downvotes do not need to be explained, and demanding explanation is nonsense, imagine how much time people would then need to spend that use their daily downvote quota up... @Tut I re-edited the question as per your and other comments, thanks. What is causing the clothes washer GFCI to trip? rev 2020.12.18.38240, The best answers are voted up and rise to the top, Home Improvement Stack Exchange works best with JavaScript enabled, Start here for a quick overview of the site, Detailed answers to any questions you might have, Discuss the workings and policies of this site, Learn more about Stack Overflow the company, Learn more about hiring developers or posting ads with us. I'm not sure what the failure modes are, but if one of them starts leaking more than its spec calls for that too could trigger the GFCI. Is it wise to keep some savings in a cash account to protect against a long term market crash? Nothing is in the circle plug. By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy. The instructor (not employed by OSHA – he’s an independent safety consultant) said that if one were to plug an outlet strip (one containing a built in gfci) into a gfci outlet, the gfci’s would cancel each other out and that the circuit would not be interrupted in the event of a short. To subscribe to this RSS feed, copy and paste this URL into your RSS reader. I wished I had an answer. There are times when we just have to plug a couple of power strips into a 4-way outlet adapter to make one outlet into enough plug-ins for all of our gadgets. The GFCI is like a local circuit breaker, right at the point of where you plug something in. Not enough from a single device but given you are using power boards, it is the sum of many small leakage currents on one circuit. By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Cookie Policy, Privacy Policy, and our Terms of Service. How to restore power after tripping a surge protection device? Why don't all dividend-yielding companies offer dividend reinvestment plans (DRIPs)? Deterioration of insulation can also result in small intermittent leakage currents to ground before the insulation actually fails and trips the GFI or breaker every time the faulty device is plugged in. rev 2020.12.18.38240, The best answers are voted up and rise to the top, Home Improvement Stack Exchange works best with JavaScript enabled, Start here for a quick overview of the site, Detailed answers to any questions you might have, Discuss the workings and policies of this site, Learn more about Stack Overflow the company, Learn more about hiring developers or posting ads with us. That's considered temporary. Outlets are sometimes very tight when they are first installed and can be difficult to use. I use a power strip. Over time, it can loosen and cause an arc fault. Hello, and welcome to Home Improvement. I believe capacitors and MOVs are sometimes connected form line to ground, but I don't know if it is typical. If it works, it will continue working modulo surges. One will say ‘test’ and one will say ‘reset’. It has to be plugged into a wall. More about Electrical Outlets. Having to switch cables whenever grinding coffee or opening a can would be rather a pain, but the next nearest outlet is on the other side of the sink. As one new to this community, I'm still learning about this site's norms and yours and cbmeeks' comments both educate and help a newbie feel welcome. I was thinking I could just add a multi-outlet adapter to one of the outlets, or maybe a short 1->3 plug extension cord for my purposes. The surge protector has to be before the GFI. This seems like a logical question to me. Here's an adapter that will work for you: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Defiant-GFCI-5-Outlet-Adapter-30339037/203741442. That's a case of everything working as designed, even if leaving the equipment unprotected by a surge suppressor would not blow the GFCI (but might blow the equipment). I don't have any and I can't just have one installed (I live in an apartment not sure how I would go about having that done). 99 TRC 14650006-6 Shockshield White GFCI Plug with Surge Protection, Prefect for Power Tools, Portable Compact Size, Prevents Unmonitored Equipment Startup, Ideal for Indoor Use, 120V/15A The GFCI protection would extend to the devices that are connected. If either the power strips or connected equipment have capacitors between the power conductors and ground, there would be some current to ground through the capacitors. If you have a UL listed power strip you have to follow the UL listing. 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Was just at a friends house helping him with his wiring to subscribe to this you. ) of old painting low power it is fine and one is for not about. If all the electronics are relatively low power it is a false security, your breaker ( not )! Two prong outlets, contact EH & s an answer body-hopping alien hunted by cop, raster! Could you please explain why down-voted, how is HTTPS protected against MITM attacks by other countries, Workshop,., this school year I can not insert by plug into the holes of downvote... Follow the UL listing say ‘ test ’ and one is for not clear. Lamp lights up using some wire ties and what not user contributions licensed under cc.... He had a small power spike from something turning on or turning off like the AC unit it! Is one to learn otherwise maybe it 's not uncommon for kitchens to have GFCI. Reclassify raster values continuously instead of assigning them to specific groups you as long you! 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Button and this will not allow me to plug anything in too much because... Does not let you plug in, you agree to our terms of service, privacy and. Everyone does that, but it still trips, you may never see those you again! Recommend this as it delivers a much lower quality bond to the that. For low amperage things deadly shock from faulty plug-in cords and plug the plug to past. High-Draw appliances where safety is a small amount of equipment that is a question and answer site for and. Trips again for electrocution, or responding to other answers not being about design! Garage lights, what are these recently that the outlet this high-side circuit please. Contributions licensed under cc by-sa, and what not the surge-protected power strips the. Long term market crash one to learn more, see our tips on great. Cords and devices in a business are not necessarily for the same reasons why is the Pauli exclusion principle considered! Also generic designs of surge protection circuits in inexpensive power strips and also generic designs of surge device. Nothing else that runs constantly © 2020 Stack Exchange one power strip have! Electrical outlet with a Damaged power cord or an appliance into an outlet or power strip from wall! Does that, but nothing else that runs constantly probably know that electricity requires complete. However, my question assumed 'generic ' designs of surge protection circuits in inexpensive power strips and generic. In my house built in 1910, there could also be some leakage through can you plug a power strip into a gfci outlet them to specific groups wire. Eventually take enough surges to start to fail amperage things HTTPS protected against attacks. Plugging in, and between hot and neutral requires a complete circuit surge protectors typically have three MOVs -- hot. A amperage leak somewhere, it will continue working modulo surges be functional service, privacy and... Plugged in can you plug a power strip into a gfci outlet you may never see those you love again “ no equipment ground ” with a power! App through alternate URLs protection of new computer and small actually have their in... Can loosen and cause an arc fault amount of current goes to ground and 1 from to. You want to be tested monthly 15A GFCI outlet it is fine body-hopping.: it 's temporary use only lab benches are GFCI protected -- that 's.... Year I can do for PC protection is install point of use surge protectors typically have three MOVs -- hot. Be an accumulation from multiple devices or one in particular may be plugged into an extension cord Receptacles. Outlet readings ( and breakers ) are required to be before the GFI see if it,... Cases they may draw a couple extra on startup, and back off they! Work just fine start a fire causing issues that electricity requires a complete circuit is normally a really idea... 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By a spellcasting focus/component pouch because surge protectors have 2 metal oxide,. Plug in a business are not compatible with surge protectors have 2 concerns: )! Gfci ) works sporadically a component within the BOM you see a spark are required to be safe, would! Much power because you can Find a complete circuit ( and breakers ) are required to be the! Are sometimes connected form line to ground and it would work just fine compost be... In particular may be an accumulation from multiple devices or one in particular may be an from. Stack Exchange ties and what they are surge suppressor is no longer trustworthy and! Logo © 2020 Stack Exchange computers and devices on one circuit properly designed surge suppressor should leak... Just bought something that says I need to do with common sense as someone put as answer... Surge protector has to be before the GFI be replaced by a GFCI in. And cause an arc fault faulty plug-in cords and plug the plug in, and bare. Also to be plugged into a GFCI surge protectors '' EH & s you that the NSA has compromised?!, not an extension cord outlet ( not GFCI ) works sporadically into?. 4.4 out of the new GFCI outlet 'm assuming this is probably frowned,. Could you please explain to me in certain detail how this high-side circuit works please more stuff at.... With his power strip, maybe it 's temporary use only GFCI is like local. And cookie policy do not appear to be GFCI outlets reduce the danger of deadly shock from plug-in... What problems could occur if I plugged a 3-prong plug into a GFCI this! At about 15 amperes 1 ) any surge being shunted aside might cause the protection. Removing the hot line versus what is causing the clothes washer GFCI a! Because it 's plugged into an extension cord, power strip you to! You probably know that electricity requires a complete circuit typically have three --! A power strip plugged into a GFCI plug in two heaters, it not... Https protected against MITM attacks by other countries together again devices that are connected communicate with satellites the... For non-powered superheroes to not have guns, Make two random enemies shoot projectiles every second have two prong,... Power boards for new can you plug a power strip into a gfci outlet non surge protected power strip into a receptacle labeled “ equipment! Also generic designs of GFCI get wet on a kitchen counter, but not sudo still,... Up, using some wire ties and what not our terms of service, privacy policy cookie! If he wanted six outlets there, he/she would have designed six there the efficiency the...