WHAT ARE GROUND FAULT INTERRUPTER CIRCUIT BREAKERS (GFI)?
• GFI breakers (Ground Fault Interrupter) measure voltage input and leakage. When leakage exceeds 5 thousandths (0.005) of an amp variation, a voltage leak (or short) is assumed and the circuit is ‘opened’ (GFI) stopping flow of electricity and stopping the potentially harmful short from harming personnel. Sometimes ‘nuisance’ trips occur due to excessive moisture at connections, dirt or corrosion. These conditions can be reduced or eliviated by cleaning connections and/or providing seal at block heater to shore power cord connection (use #PK1212 recessed male plug connection when unprotected male plug is used and J.Jeb #WS-1 for extension cord end to block heater cord area). Dripping moisture, blowing snow, or wet conditions can combine with other factors to cause nuisance trips. Long distance between GFI breaker and engine heater can cause nuisance trips since electrical cord has very small leakage which can add up to 50% of nuisance trip in a 100′ and greater distance. GFI breakers
