SIGforum
Electricians I need help: desk fan tripping GFCI

This topic can be found at:
https://sigforum.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/320601935/m/4060079515

June 29, 2025, 07:10 AM
gpbst3
Electricians I need help: desk fan tripping GFCI
I have a table top fan amazon link to fan which is tripping the bathroom GFCI when I turn it off. I thought it would be more likely to trip when turning on.

I have done zero investigative work so far Razz . The GFCI is over 10 yrs old, so that may be an issue. I also need to try the fan on another GFCI outlet to see if it trips.

Any other ideas on the cause? Thanks


June 29, 2025, 08:30 AM
selogic
When you turn the fan OFF you get a little spike in the waveform , for lack of a better description . This is normal . Replace the GFCI anyway . If it still trips , chunk the fan .
June 29, 2025, 09:43 AM
sig operator
selogic covered it very well.
June 29, 2025, 09:56 AM
sig2392
I hate GFCI outlets.

I used to have to replace them all periodically.

They seem to have a limited lifespan, but I live near the water.

I ripped them out and replaced them with a breaker in the panel.

It has not tripped once and outlasted all the outlet GFCIs.

Breakers are more expensive but buy once cry once.
June 29, 2025, 12:14 PM
Shaql
Replace it with a standard outlet and swap out the breaker for a GFCI breaker





Hedley Lamarr: Wait, wait, wait. I'm unarmed.
Bart: Alright, we'll settle this like men, with our fists.
Hedley Lamarr: Sorry, I just remembered . . . I am armed.
June 29, 2025, 02:04 PM
Skins2881
Try the fan in a different GFI. It is possible that the GFI is just doing it's job and there's a fault within the fan.



Jesse

Sic Semper Tyrannis