Question for an electrician/person who is handy

[kydsid]

Connected to the bathroom? As in on the same breaker? Or wired in line/series? If they were wired in series any GFCI's in the circuit path could be causing the problem. Which creates the headache of tracking it down. If they are wired in parallel this wouldn't be the case and the fault would be the BBQ. Check the outlets to make sure they are wired in parallel. If it was jerry rigged it might be in series. A house should always be parallel IMO, but I have seen weird stuff done by homeowners. Coat hangers to hand 80lb flourescent light fixtures comes to mind.


Not my pic but works to show what I mean

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c3...UFF/lights.jpg

[MikeyC]

I'm not sure how the outlets are wired (series/parallel). However, this setup was working without issue for 2+ years. So, I'm thinking something must have recently changed to cause the issue.

On a side note, since the problem started I've been plugging the BBQ into an inside outlet. It works fine except if I have my TV on which is on the same circuit. If both the TV and BBQ are plugging in and running the breaker trips.

[alley00p]

Mike,

I need something clarified in your explanation...

When you say the breaker trips, do you mean the circuit box breaker, or the GFCI? And what is the breaker rated at (15 or 20 amps)? How many amps does the BBQ require to operate?

I'm no expert, by any means, but when I built my new garage and wired it for electricity. I installed 2 separate 20 amp circuits, each protected by a GFCI. My GFCI was installed as the last receptacle in the line of 12 outlets. Only the last outlet is a GFCI. but all of the outlets are protected by that unit.

I was curious if the GFCI you are referring to is an outlet type (with a reset and test button) or if the GFCI is located in your circuit breaker box.

Charlie

Hey BTW, how have you've been?

[SvilleKid]

OK, first off, what is the BBQ rated in terms of amps? Most 110 volt elect. heaters and small appliances generally don't run over 1500 watts and 10-12 amps, which will usually run on a 15 amp (14 gauge wiring), if not much more is pulling from that circuit. Sounds like there was too much on the first circuit to start with!!. If the TV is the only thing on the other circuit, and the BBQ is tripping that breaker, I'd say you have a problem with the BBQ, especially since TV's and most electronics pull very low amps! Circuits in bathrooms and kitchens most often are 20 amp, with 12 gauge wiring, because things like hair dryers, toaster ovens and the like pull more amps than lamps and TVs. Thus, your TV is probably on a 15 amp breaker, and less likely to handle a large load. But, it should handle the TV and a BBQ, unless the BBQ is having issues. That why I think you might be prepared to replace the BBQ.

If you have a GFI breaker and/or plug in a circuit, and it trips more than two or three times, you might as well plan on replacing the GFI. It will be shot, regardless. Just my experience.

BTW, I'm NOT an electrician, but my BIL is a master Electrician, and I often help him on side jobs, including whole house wiring jobs.