GFCI keeps tripping

[watson_barrett]

Well i want to be safe so i have all GFCI extensions. Problem is that they keep tripping on me. I've tried spreading the 5 light fixtures over the 3 GFCI units i have set up but can't seem to get it right.

 

3 400w MHs; 2 2x54w T5 fixtures.

 

Any thoughts? Could i possibly have them wired wrong or something or can't the GFCIs only handle low total wattage?

[sportzfish]

I have the same problem with my 8 bulb TEK fixture when plugging into the GFI adapters. The info on the fixture says that the ballast draws 4A and my adapter is rated for 15A so I am not sure what my problem is either. In any event, tuning in to see what is behind your issue.

[jason the filter freak]

check for stray current running though your reflectors via multimeter

[Origami]

I had a problem with my GFCI's tripping when my electronic ballasts were connected to the GFCI through an inductive surge protector. Once I removed replaced the surge protector, the GFCI stopped tripping when the lights would come on.

[watson_barrett]

not sure about the multimeter, don't have one...

 

everything is new so i'm not sure what the issue is, they are the yellow stanley fixtures, i think they are primarily made for power tools. I think the GFCI cords say berlin or something like that on them.

 

what should be done with the green ground wires for MH pendants? I just attach them to anything metal right?

 

Sounds like this is a pretty common problem. I am find when i just run one of the MH through each but when i try running any additional lighting that is when i start having problems...

 

Wondering if i should just ditch the GFCI on one of the units and run 3 of the lights on it, thoughts?

[Coral Hind]

This issue pops up here about once a quarter. IMO, lighting loads should not be on a GFI/GFCI because of the nuisance tripping they cause. The reason is because of the way a ballast is designed and how it does not always allow for an equal current flow back through the neutral. This causes the GFCI to think the load is going to ground through a person so it trips as designed.

 

Technical reasons:

1: Higher leakage since electronic ballasts will normally have an output frequency between 20,000Hz to 40,000Hz. This leakage to grounded equipment causes the breaker/outlet to sense current going out yet not the same amount coming back so it trips.

 

2: High capacitive firing concentration around each lamp using high Hz electronic ballast (the magnetic field created around the lamp during initial start up drains to a ground like the reflector.

 

3: High capacitive firing surge of magnetic core/coil ballasts cause a surge with a lagged return on the nuetral. Again what is going out isn't coming back fast enough so it trips.

 

4: AC line filtering and/or transient voltage surge surpression at line input of the ballast. MOVs bonded to the ballast's case which bleeds to ground.

[CHUBAKAH]

"Most" of the kits now a days say right on the installation instructions "DO NOT PUT THIS LIGHT ON GFCI PLUGS"

 

Take the lights off GFCI protection, problem solved.

[extreme_tooth_decay]

Take the lights off GFCI protection, problem solved.

 

 

Yep, except for that ol' nagging risk of electrocution when the light fixture falls in the tank...yeah, I have managed to do that :( the light fixture in the tank part, anyway.