GFCI problems

[Jalang35]

My Austin XL keeps tripping my GFCI

Had the grill almost 1 year and in that year:

First started tripping on my 4th or 5th use. Eventually the igniter went out.

Replaced the igniter - worked without tripping 2 or 3 times then started again. Eventually igniter went out again.

Replaced the outdoor outlet to a brand new 20A outlet. Replaced the GFCI outlet with a brand new 20A outlet. Replaced the igniter and control board.

I plug directly into the outlet (no extension cord). If I plug into a non-GFCI outlet the grill runs fine.

Concerned what happens after my 1yr. warranty runs out in Nov/Dec and I get stuck with a faulty grill.

Anyone ever tried tracing shorts or looking for other electrical issues that might cause this behavior?

 

[Jalang35]

I should also mention it seems to always trip when the igniter is turning off. At least that seems like the timing.

 

[MikeInFla]

They have a 5 year warranty. Use it to your advantage.

 

[JayBirde]

GFCI outlets are not rated for motor loads (anything with a motor). The igniter probably isn’t helping with that. Can you replace the outlet with a standard outlet? I would also confirm that you have #12 wire if you are using a 20A outlet. 15A is run in #14 wire by code.

 

[DaveXDm9]

GFCI outlets are not rated for motor loads (anything with a motor). The igniter probably isn’t helping with that. Can you replace the outlet with a standard outlet? I would also confirm that you have #12 wire if you are using a 20A outlet. 15A is run in #14 wire by code.

I was just going ot chime in on this one. I own a Pit Boss and Yoder pellet grill and Yoder's manual stated not to use a GFCI outlet. Some people have used a commercial heavy duty extension cord and that has solved the issue, but that may not be the case for everyone.

 

[Patstik]

I have the xl. It would trip the GFI off and on and never consistently. Like I noticed when its damp outside it would trip the GFI or if I start grill set for 350 instead of 220 but not always. It started after a few months of use. My ignitor finally went out after 10 months, I put a multimeter on it and it was open. I replaced it myself because I did not want to wait for weeks to get a part, plus I could not get any response from pit boss and I am still waiting. I Replaced the ignitor no more GFI trips, it has been a few months since I have replaced it. I also did read that a bad ignitor can trip GFI. And I read they go bad after awhile. Also unplug your grill after you turn it off, my ignitor stays hot while plugged in .

 

[Batt4Christ]

I have the xl. It would trip the GFI off and on and never consistently. Like I noticed when its damp outside it would trip the GFI or if I start grill set for 350 instead of 220 but not always. It started after a few months of use. My ignitor finally went out after 10 months, I put a multimeter on it and it was open. I replaced it myself because I did not want to wait for weeks to get a part, plus I could not get any response from pit boss and I am still waiting. I Replaced the ignitor no more GFI trips, it has been a few months since I have replaced it. I also did read that a bad ignitor can trip GFI. And I read they go bad after awhile. Also unplug your grill after you turn it off, my ignitor stays hot while plugged in .

I've had my PitBoss for just over a year. It's been operated on an outdoor GFCI it's entire life without a hitch.

Cranked her up this evemimg to cook off a couple of pork butts and she pre-heated as usual. I placed meat in smoker and she ran form10 minutes and I switched it to the smoke setting and P6 so it would cook slower with more smoke.

5 minutes later it tripped the GFCI (it’s the only thing plugged in on the entire circuit).

I've reset the outlet 3 times now. I finally gave up and it’s running with a heavy extension cord run through back door.

frustrating.

***FORGOT TO ADD: the heaviest dew I’ve seen in a long time tonight.

 

[Patstik]

I've had my PitBoss for just over a year. It's been operated on an outdoor GFCI it's entire life without a hitch.

Cranked her up this evemimg to cook off a couple of pork butts and she pre-heated as usual. I placed meat in smoker and she ran form10 minutes and I switched it to the smoke setting and P6 so it would cook slower with more smoke.

5 minutes later it tripped the GFCI (it’s the only thing plugged in on the entire circuit).

I've reset the outlet 3 times now. I finally gave up and it’s running with a heavy extension cord run through back door.

frustrating.

***FORGOT TO ADD: the heaviest dew I’ve seen in a long time tonight.

You might want to think about replacing the ignitor. I had issues with grill and GFI. I had no issues when it was new. and then it would trip my GFI. I thought it was happening when damp outside. My ignitor died and I replaced it and have had no more tripping of my GFI. By the way I read ignitors go bad after awhile. I use my grill all year long.

 

[DaveXDm9]

Some GFCI outlets are crap and some are very good. I would avoid using that type of outlet in the first place to save yourself a head ache. Replacing the igniter may help, but if your igniter still working I would not replace it as some GFCI's are garbage.

 

[Patstik]

I would replace ignitor because I did move my cord around to another outlet and it tripped as well. I had to use a non GFI outlet. I have a stand by ignitor now. I will replace it if the GFI starts tripping.