Weird GFCI Problem

[Tractor Seabee]

Added a branch receptacle to an existing GFCI protected receptacle. Completed the wiring connections to the GFCI. Energized; Existing GFCI would not reset. Trips immediately when pushing reset button Checked all new wiring and found no cross connections. Replaced GFCI with new one (premium brand), same problem. Went over wiring with a volt meter and found no crossed wiring or leakage between conductors including ground to neutral. Where do I go now? Possibility of existing and new both being bad? Existing was working fine before. HELP

Ron

 

[John Fitzgerald]

Line is incoming wiring from the breaker box; load is outgoing wiring. There is leakage to ground somewhere on the load side of the GFCI, or it would not trip. Disconnect the black wire from the load receptacle, tape, or wire nut the exposed end, and retest. If it doesn't trip, problem is in the downline receptacle. If it trips, problem is in the piece of downline wiring itself. Do you have the black wires on the gold colored screws, next to the narrow slots on the receptacles?

 

[buckeyefarmer]

Are you wiring this new branch at the gfi? All all new wires connected to the protected side, Including the new neutral wire? Ie, don't tie protected neutral to source neutral.

 

[buckeyefarmer]

Here is diagram. Maybe remove new wires and check the old wiring again, then check with just the new wires, for a ground in the new wire.

 

[buckeyefarmer]

No tie into a neutral from another circuit?

 

[quicksandfarmer]

I've had this behavior when the neutral is touching ground somewhere. All the current that goes through the black wire has to go through the white wire, else it trips.

 

[Tractor Seabee]

Line is incoming wiring from the breaker box; load is outgoing wiring. There is leakage to ground somewhere on the load side of the GFCI, or it would not trip. Disconnect the black wire from the load receptacle, tape, or wire nut the exposed end, and retest. If it doesn't trip, problem is in the downline receptacle. If it trips, problem is in the piece of downline wiring itself. Do you have the black wires on the gold colored screws, next to the narrow slots on the receptacles?

Thanks John, I am getting old and have CRS. I should have known this. Thanks again for stroking my CRS.

Ron

 

[Tractor Seabee]

Here is diagram. Maybe remove new wires and check the old wiring again, then check with just the new wires, for a ground in the new wire.View attachment 574463

Thanks Buck, again my CRS tripped me. I did tie all the neutrals together. Tomorrow will be the proof of the pudding.

To everyone else: thanks for the prompt response, makes life easier. For once everyone is on the same page.

Ron

 

[buckeyefarmer]

Glad you got it.

 

[Tractor Seabee]

ANOTHER TBN SUCCESS STORY. Rewired as we all discussed this AM. Works perfect, I did have to replace the old one, did not trust it, over 10 years old. Thanks much you all for the quick and accurate response. Terrible when others have to refresh your memory on stuff you used to know. STML has set in.

Ron