said by shdesigns:This has nothing to do with a fridge
The UK IET link I posted earlier has the title "Fridge Freezer tripping RCD" ... residual current device being the proper term for GFCI/GFI.
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www.theiet.org/forums/fo ··· id=34284*** another relevant link: »
www.google.com/patents/US8011198A/C compressor, not fridge, but address transient leakage tripping GFCI. Effects of the Invention
Even if the motor is immersed in the lubricating oil, the leakage current is reduced, and the occurrence of a trouble such that the earth leakage breaker malfunctions is suppressed.said by shdesigns:Sounds like this polisher/grinder took some shortcuts.
The "relevant" issue highlighted in those links is the inability of typical GFCI to distinguish between steady 60Hz leakage current (dangerous to humans) and transient higher frequency leakage current (usually not dangerous to humans, but may trip GFCI).
The polisher/grinder guy actually measured the steady leakage current (2mA) and correctly assumed GFCI was tripping because of high frequency noise. He probably did not have the equipment to measure transient leakage current.
I have measured quite a few fridges, old and new, compressor on and off, on dry vs humid days. Typical GFCI trips between 4mA-6mA while the transients peak between 5mA-10mA. It is not a good match.
Since Leviton (and probably other companies) have started selling newer design GFCI which are less sensitive to transient leakage current, there is no reason to stay with older design GFCI for fridge, microwave and other troublesome appliances.