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gtnrfn  
#1 Posted : Wednesday, February 11, 2009 8:16:27 AM(UTC)
gtnrfn

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my 2.5 yr old garbage disposal started popping the gfci. I can hear the motor start and immediately spins to a stop. I have tried another gfci and it pops also. I connected to a non gfci circuit and motor runs ok. disposal is clear and free. what could be the problem? thanks!:confused:
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Gene  
#2 Posted : Saturday, February 14, 2009 6:46:19 PM(UTC)
Gene

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GFCI stands for "Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter." This is a safety device to prevent users from electrocution by sensing any small current leaking to ground which a regular circuit breaker is not able to sense. It's hard to say if it's safe to use the garbage disposal without proper diagnosis performed by a certified electrician.

Gene.
denman  
#3 Posted : Sunday, February 15, 2009 5:11:27 AM(UTC)
denman

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Cannot find any info on the Model Number

Your problem is probably in the motor.
As motors age they can become electrically noisy re: arcing.
This often can cause GFI problems.
If the motor uses brushes just the dust from the brushes can cause GFI problems.
If any moisture gets into the motor that will also cause a GFI to trip

Use of a GFI on a disposal is probably regulated by your local electrical code.

Personally I think it is probably a good idea especially if your sink is floating (not grounded)

In the old days all sinks were grounded. Earth ground was connected to the water pipes coming into the house, all the plumbing was copper and all the taps were metal so the sinks were grounded
These days with the use of plastic pipes, non metal sink hook ups and non metal taps often the sink is not grounded.
So if you should loose neutral and the garbage disposal/sink goes live and you touch the sink and any grounded device (stove etc.) you would get a shock.
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