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Post by rocklicker on Oct 27, 2009 15:06:15 GMT -5
I have my tumblers plugged into an extension cord with a built in GFCI breaker in it that then plugs into the receptacle for the washing machine. I noticed that the GFCI portion of the extension has been getting pretty warm. I never really checked it until recently so I don't know how long it's been like that. Granted, I also increased the number of tumblers plugged into it by 2. Now I have a 30lb-er with a 1/6th HP motor, 5 3-pounders, a 6-pounder, and a minisonic all plugged into it via a power strip.
I have been playing around with the idea of getting a regular GFCI outlet and wiring it right onto the side of the metal table where all the tumblers live in hopes of it being able to handle more current. Out of concern, I disconnected the 30-pounder and plugged it straight into an extension cord this morning.
The question is, is a GFCI breaker a good idea for tumblers and is it normal that it is warm?
Thanks,
Steve
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Post by Jack, lapidaryrough on Oct 27, 2009 15:23:12 GMT -5
Caution know the OHM scale / Amps.
15 amp. breaker limit use 11.5 amp loaded.
20 amp. 15.5.
1st types of plug bars / both on same plug bar Circuit breaker & GFCI
2nd Cheap plug bar only have the low end GFCI
I`m Sure their must be a Electrician on this broad, That will enplane it a bet more then a Maintenance Tech like myself.
Though a light heat is fine too.
Jack
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Post by Jack, lapidaryrough on Oct 27, 2009 15:24:51 GMT -5
100 hundredth of a Mela amp will stop a heart
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drjo
fully equipped rock polisher
Honduran Opal & DIY Nut
Member since May 2008
Posts: 1,581
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Post by drjo on Oct 27, 2009 18:55:13 GMT -5
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Post by Jack, lapidaryrough on Oct 27, 2009 19:16:41 GMT -5
Thanks Doc, Why i don`t play with protons.
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Post by rocklicker on Oct 28, 2009 0:43:25 GMT -5
Thanks for the warnings. I agree. The cord is 25' and it's one of those heavy duty yellow jacket ones. That's not what I am worried about. The GFCI section is the warm part. I'd like to keep the tumblers plugged into the GFCI, but I am not sure if warm is normal.
Steve
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ryjen
starting to shine!
Member since October 2009
Posts: 49
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Post by ryjen on Oct 28, 2009 3:17:17 GMT -5
You can only have so many items on 1 circuit
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Post by Bikerrandy on Oct 30, 2009 19:32:11 GMT -5
Does the GFCI have one of those little built-in red lights that lets you know there's power? If so, is the cord getting warm too? If not, could be the little red light making the GFCI warm. Unplug everything from the GFCI and check in about an hour to see of it's still warm.
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Post by parfive on Oct 30, 2009 21:44:29 GMT -5
Steve – There’s a current transformer and a solid-state circuit in a GFI, so it could get a little warm with a constant load. No biggie.
A GFI on anything never hurts, but no real need for one for a bunch of tumblers. Hit the test button occasionally to make sure it works – that goes for any GFI in the house, and especially an outdoor one.
Do you need 25’ of ext. cord to get to the tumblers, or will a shorter cord suffice. If you’ve got 15 or 20’ of cord coiled up, get a shorter one.
Also wouldn’t hurt to check that the washing machine is the only outlet on that circuit, and whether it’s 15 or 20 amps. Should be a 20@ circuit.
Rich
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Post by Hard Rock Cafe on Oct 30, 2009 22:34:41 GMT -5
What Rich is getting at with the 25' extension cord is that the wire has resistance, too, so may not be supplying enough current to the motor, which will cause it to burn out. Use the shortest, fattest cord available.
I agree with him on the GFCI, too. No need, but it doesn't hurt.
Chuck
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Post by johnjsgems on Nov 1, 2009 7:54:26 GMT -5
"big fat" cord means nothing as different outer wrapping can make thicker cord. Wire gauge is what matters. 14 gauge is rated for 15 amps, 12 gauge rated for 20amps. Volts times amps equals watts so if your fractional hp motors are rated in watts add them up. Once you have the watts, divide by 115 and you will have approximate amps (supply voltage varies by location). If the cord doesn't warm up you are probably ok. If you are within the wire gauge rating 25 ft. is ok.
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