Commercial GFI breaker doesn't test out

2549 Views 13 Replies 6 Participants Last post by bigredc222, Nov 19, 2007

goose134

Discussion Starter · Nov 16, 2007

Had an odd one today. Commercial kitchen panel 225 A main. There are two pendant cords over an island serving whatever appliance they plug in (mixers and what have you). Now these two cords are on a 20 A GFI breaker. These are the ones rated for 50,000 A (looks like a 277 breaker) Square D type. Tried the test button and nothing. Ordered a replacement, and same thing. Triple checked the terminals (load and line neutrals are in order) and still the test button doesn't work.
Spuare D is still coming back with help but I can't for the life of me figure out what is going on here. Any thoughts?

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frenchelectrican

· #2 · Nov 16, 2007

I am hopeing i can shed some light on this matter a bit..

there are two diffrent type of " GFCI " design there.

The common GFCI have 5 MA trip rating but there is other type of GFPI note the underline it have about 30 MA or so tripping level.

but if you dont mind fill us in what series breaker this you have quriks with it

something like common QO series or EH series i know EH did have some issuse with the GFCI/ GFPI system but i dont have all the info with me ATM.

Merci, Marc

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goose134

Discussion Starter · #3 · Nov 17, 2007

I don't know the series of breaker, but I do remember being surprised at the 30mA trip. So it may be the kind you describe. I'm not familiar with GFPI. Any help would be appreciated as Tuesday will likely be my last day on this job. I have been there for one year straight. I'm not complaining.

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frmRUwLV

· #4 · Nov 17, 2007

Could it be that is something wrong with the load side wiring?

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Andy in ATL

· #5 · Nov 17, 2007

I think my buddy means GFPE Ground fault protection for equipment. That would be an illegal install in the kitchen. You wouldn't do that, would ya goose?:laughing: Just kidding. I'm gonna have to ponder. Are all the grounING wires hooked up correctly? Don't you, on a two wire recp. in an older home when you install a GFCI have issues with the test button?

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brian john

· #6 · Nov 17, 2007

I think my buddy means GFPE Ground fault protection for equipment. That would be an illegal install in the kitchen.

Why?

Click to expand...

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Andy in ATL

· #7 · Nov 17, 2007

Doesn't the gfci in a kitchen have to be "class A" which puts it in the 4-6mA range, or am I crazy?

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goose134

Discussion Starter · #8 · Nov 17, 2007

Could it be that is something wrong with the load side wiring?

I don't think so. The pendant cords don't show any continuity problems and do not throw the breaker at all. From all appearances, the install works, except that the test button doesn't throw the breaker. I'm still stumped. I keep hoping that this is an equipment issue, cuz I'm starting to feel a little slow. It's got to be something simple. right?