[rjongsma]

Working on a new construction Basement bathroom install. I ran a dedicated feed to a GFCI outlet then out the Load terminals to a secondary plug and the light and fan switches (the fan is in the shower stall and must be GFCI protected). When I turn the fan off, it will sometimes trip the GFCI. I was thinking the spinning fan motor was generating EMF, so I tried a double pole, single throw switch to break both the positive and negative wires at the same time. Still tripping the GFCI. Tried running a second wire from the line side of the GFCI to the fan. Still tripping the GFCI when I shut off the fan even though it should be bypassing the GFCI. What is going on?

 

[ampman]

are you running DC current to your fan

 

[Dennis Alwon]

I have heard of this issue before but am not sure of the fix other than trying a different gfci receptacle or even a different brand.

 

[RGH]

Let me guess...... it's a Leviton gfic....?

 

[rjongsma]

No. Just installed new breaker in my 200 amp panel and ran a dedicated 12/2 wire to have the bathroom on a dedicated circuit. Exhaust fan is a Broan/Nutone QTR110L .

 

[rjongsma]

I've swapped out the Pass and Seymor GFCI for a Leviton and had the exact same issue. I've tried three different, all brand new, GFCI outlets with the same issue. I really can't figure out how the fan is still tripping the GFCI now that I am feeding the fan from the LINE terminals . I should be bypassing the GFCI and it will still trip!

 

[RGH]

Disconnect the fan and put a different load on the circuit...if it holds its the fan , these are cheap parts and its not worth the effort to beat this horse.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

I don't think there is anything wired incorrectly as the situation is when the fan is turned off not on. The turning off of the fan is creating some time of interference so I am thinking that your only fix is to change the fan. Try a different fan without actually installing it and see what happens.

 

[brian john]

I have heard of this issue before but am not sure of the fix other than trying a different gfci receptacle or even a different brand.

Or a circuit breaker

 

[Dennis Alwon]

Or a circuit breaker

That actually may be a good idea if it is some kind of electrical interference-- may not affect the breaker being farther away.

 

[NacBooster29]

I had a similar issue a few months ago. It was a panosonic fan light. When the fan switch was turned off it would trip the bath gfci. I didn't mess around trouble shooting the fan. Bypass the gfci altogether.
I would double check you're infact landed on the correct line terminals.
Just a thought.

 

[brian john]

Check wiring
Change Fan
Change GFCI
Try a GFCI circuit breaker.

Missing anything?

 

[rjongsma]

Just got off the phone with Broan/Nutone tech support. He is sending me a new motor assembly to swap in to my brand new fan. Here's hoping. I need to get this sorted so I can drywall.

 

[gnuuser]

Just got off the phone with Broan/Nutone tech support. He is sending me a new motor assembly to swap in to my brand new fan. Here's hoping. I need to get this sorted so I can drywall.

when you connect the new fan using the wire nuts squeeze a little silicone caulk into the wire nut before twisting it on (to seal out any moisture)
or pick up some wet location connectors like these
http://www.smarthome.com/7870/DryConn-Waterproof-Direct-Burial-Connectors-Outdoor-Use/p.aspx

 

[Dennis Alwon]

Well you got away with this thread being as I see you are not an electrician. This forum is really for electrical trade people so I need to close this thread at this point