Why does GFI pop when its engaged on daisy chain?

[screamingweenie]

Hi, trying to install a daisy chain of outlets & switches beginning the line with GFI. Whenever the gfi is engaged it pops the breaker.
The gfi has a 'line in' @ the bottom as specified in the instructions in the box and the top is 'load out'. The next outlet is connected from the load out of the previous ( gfi) then it goes into the bottom which is line in etc...
Set up is: GFI, outlet > outlet 1 > outlet 2 > outlet 3 > dual switches.
So the dual switches are the last on the line.
Need help finding out why breaker trips when GFI is engaged.
Any help is upmost appreciated.

 

[westward10]

If the breaker is tripping you are likely to have created a dead short between hot/ground or hot/neutral. Looking at your wiring this doesn't surprise me, check there is no damage to the cables where they pass unprotected through the back boxes.

 

[screamingweenie]

Hi, trying to install a daisy chain of outlets & switches beginning the line with GFI. Whenever the gfi is engaged it pops the breaker.
The gfi has a 'line in' @ the bottom as specified in the instructions in the box and the top is 'load out'. The next outlet is connected from the load out of the previous ( gfi) then it goes into the bottom which is line in etc...
Set up is: GFI, outlet > outlet 1 > outlet 2 > outlet 3 > dual switches.
So the dual switches are the last on the line.
Need help finding out why breaker trips when GFI is engaged.
Any help is upmost appreciated.

If the breaker is tripping you are likely to have created a dead short between hot/ground or hot/neutral. Looking at your wiring this doesn't surprise me, check there is no damage to the cables where they pass unprotected through the back boxes.

I apologise for the incomplete picture but it is protected by the outer coating which doesnt show in the picture.
Thanks we will look at everything again. ?

 

[DPG]

No offence intended, but those earths look a right mess.

 

[screamingweenie]

No offence intended, but those earths look a tight mess.

Hi thanks, could you please clarify?

 

[screamingweenie]

Hi thanks, could you please clarify?

This is 12 gage wire

 

[DPG]

Hi thanks, could you please clarify?

Sorry, auto correct - it should have said 'a right mess'. Is that normal to just leave them bare and just twist them together? Certainly wouldn't pass UK regs.

 

[westward10]

Hi thanks, could you

Twisting the earths (grounds) together into a knot looks none too clever and although this is not likely to be the cause of the problem shouldn't they be in a connector.

 

[screamingweenie]

Twisting the earths (grounds) together into a knot looks none too clever and although this is not likely to be the cause of the problem shouldn't they be in a connector.

 

[screamingweenie]

I gotcha. Yeah it may not look pretty but thats the old way of doing things to save space in the box. By the time i shove the gfi in there's not enough room for a gray wire nut esp with 12 gage wire.
Still trying to find the source for the trip.

 

[westward10]

I think @Megawatt our correspondent in the States will know more about grounding connections than us over the pond.

 

[James]

I would start with checking for continuity between earth and any hot wires.
Power off first

 

[screamingweenie]

I would start with checking for continuity between earth and any hot wires.
Power off first

Thanks and yep thats what we are doing.

 

[screamingweenie]

Thanks and yep thats what we are doing.

Got another question..... On an afci breaker if there was a gap between wires that are twisted in a wire nut meaning if they are not tight enough together and create a spark inside the wire nut would it trip the breaker?

 

[westward10]

So is this a afci which is tripping.