A few years ago while remodeling I installed a CFI (sp?) outlet for the microwave oven.It seemed like a good idea at the time. However, last night a whopping lightning stroke took out all of the power in the area for a while. When it was back on, the microwave oven was dead as well as the toaster also plugged into it.
I checked the outlet and it had apparently tripped. I tried to reset it, but nothing happened. Can someone tell me how to get thee power back on in that outlet?
Thanks.
Ron
If you happen to have another GFI outlet further upstream on the same circuit, make sure to reset that outlet also. If not, then simply buy a new outlet.
It's called a GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) or sometimes just a GFI.
They do die occasionally. If the reset button isn't work, try replacing the outlet (
Assuming the microwave was installed on a dedicated circuit, I'd first check the circuit breaker that feeds the GFCI, if that doesn't do it, replace the outlet
GFCI's offer no benefit as a power conditioner/lightning arrestor, they are just fancy circuit breakers filled with electronics that usually fry themselves with any voltage surges.
While you can change it for another gfi outlet, I would just pop in a regular one.
(and might even be tempted to run a second line and split the outlet)
As a microwave AND a toaster on the same outlet is not very likely going to allow you to use both at once anyway.
BTW, while this may seem obvious, you did test the microwave and toaster in a different outlet didn't you ?
AMUN
GFCI's are NOT related to circuit breakers, other than both devices cut of the power in different situations. This is a myth that people don't seem to understand is not true.
- Circuit Breakers cut off power in the case of an overload condition (too much current through the breaker.
- GFCI's cut off power in the case of a ground fault -- that is, the power going out the hot slot does not balance with the power coming into the neutral side -- which potentially means current is flowing through someone's body to ground, e.g. someone is being electricuted.
GFCI's will NOT protect against overcurrent. That's why you need both devices. GFCI breakers have both functions combined into one package.
-Tim
While you are somewhat correct, pulling a few words out of context means little. As many GFI outlets also have overcurrent protection built in.
I do agree that a GFI should also be used in conjunction with a proper circuit breaker. But I never stated it shouldn't be.
The OP was concerned about damage after a lighting strike.
The need for a GFI is probably unwarranted for a microwave, and can be replaced with a regular outlet. And if the GFI is tripping it could also be caused by damage to the microwave plugged into it.
If you read my complete post, you might have seen that.
AMUN
A bummer replacing that, but thanks folks for the help.
Ron
While GFCI protection is not required for a "microwave" it is required for all kitchen counter outlets regardless of what may be plugged into them
Perhaps where you live, but not here, and I'm sure in many other locals they are not mandatory.
I suppose the one it really matters to is the OP.
AMUN
If he lives in the U.S. and his electrical wiring is subject to the NEC, then it's a requirement
So we can see there are definitely different rules in different areas.
Here in a kitchen all (new)counter outlets MUST be split with two branch circuits, and only 2 outlets total on any (kitchen) circuit. So GFI outlets are not even possible.
GFI's are only required within 3 feet of a sink/tub/shower, or outdoor outlets. And ALL GFI outlets MUST be grounded.
And remember that "new construction" and "repairs" are governed by different rules.
Personally I still think GFI's are over-rated by many, and are not only unnecessary in many places, but simply don't work. Appliances with motors often fry them. e.g. Refrigerators, Washers, Freezers, Sump Pumps, etc.
AMUN
I've never heard of a GFCI being "fried" by a motor. The reason that certain large appliances (refrigerators, freezers, sump pumps) are allowed not to be on a GFCI is that the startup surge current of the motors sometimes causes them to false-trip. They don't FRY though, you simply have to reset them. But by the time you notice, the food has spoiled or the basement has flooded.
-Tim
Why aren't GFCI outlets possible?
BTW, the refrigerator is a kitchen outlet and must be on a (another) separate circuit with *no* GFCI.
Unless a refrigerator is plugged in on an "outdoor" (or garage) circuit.
That's not true. All *new* circuits must be grounded. Older homes may have ungrounded circuits and it is preferred that they are protected by GFCIs.
Sure, as well as "existing".
They simply *do* work. It's not only your life you're playing with here.
They are not required nor suggested for refrigerators, freezers, or quite likely sump pumps (dunno about the latter, but the same reasoning applies).
Yes, it is the motor starting currents that do the damage.
That's why most appliance makers state they do not recommend GFI's being used right in the instruction manuals. Often the electronics do fry, but without any outward signs.
Even "dirty" power (surges/brownouts) to a house can eventually do them in.
e.g. it doesn't trip anymore,.....ever,..... even when it should.
I would lay odds if you checked a bunch of GFI's that were "in use" randomly, probably over half would not be offering ANY protection, or be so far out of spec to be effectively useless..
How many have you ever seen properly "tested" after they were in use for a while though ? Those test buttons on most only cause a dead short, not a real ground fault test.
That's why I laugh at the people here who say, GFI's don't even need a ground. Once there is no protection, you might as well just have a .89 cent outlet.
AMUN
BS! The test button puts a resistor across the hot (load side) to the neutral (line side) to imbalance the current (by 10mA or so) in the load side hot and neutral wires. This acts *exactly* like a fault to ground and the GFCI trips exactly in the same way it would from any other ground fault. If the test button shorted the output there would be much smoke.
They don't! All circuits *should* have a ground (though some legacy circuits don't) but a GFCI does _not_ need a ground to function properly. An ungrounded circuit protected by a GFCI is far safer then an ungrounded circuit not so protected.
While this is true of any safety device, a functioning GFCI may save your life! Are you against smoke alarms because some don't test them every month? After all, a smoke alarm with a dead battery might just as well be an ugly wart on the ceiling.
AMUN Can provide nothing. He never has and never will. Warned AHR many times about his crappy and you said it, dangerous advice.
Thank you for responding to this yutz.
-- WARNING:
Do NOT under any circumstances take advice from an idiot named AMUN.
Regarding tile, electrical, HVAC, painting, drywall, plastering, lawn mower repair and various other construction issues, AMUN is a clueless moron. As things go AMUN will dissapear as his kind usually does when confronted with their bad advice by those who are knowledgeable in their respective fields. Until then - BEWARE
snipped-for-privacy@bell.net
Get a life
Plonk
Amun,
Sorry to come off rude, but you obviously don't know what you're talking about, and I ask that you please not answer questions related to GFCI outlets or any other area that you don't have knowledge in. Your advice is incorrect, and could be downright dangerous.
If you disagree with my assessment, could you please provide cites for the following 'facts' that you have claimed to be true:
- GFCI's are not required in kitchens
- GFCI's can be damaged by motors in common appliances such as refrigerators.
- GFCI's test buttons short out the circuit (which is prehaps the most idiotic thing you've said yet).
- GFCI's can trip due to overcurrent situations.
- etc.
I don't suspect you'll reply with said cites, but instead try to slander me and then say "Plonk". Mind proving me wrong?
-Tim
Tim, well put but your wasting your time, this guy just seems to make it up as he goes along. Unfortunately , I think this is a game to him and intentionally or not, he could be putting people in danger
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