Hey everyone! I'm dealing with a pesky GFCI outlet in my garage that keeps tripping whenever my freezer is plugged in. It's been a real hassle, especially since we lost a lot of food when it thawed because we didn't realize the outlet had gone out. I've heard from some neighbors that this is a common issue around here. One suggested replacing it with an UP943C GFCI, but even that didn't solve the problem. Another neighbor just went ahead and switched to a regular outlet without GFCI protection. Has anyone else faced this? What do you recommend? I've had freezers and fridges in my garages before without any issues, but this new build is giving me trouble.
3 Answers
The best solution would be to have a dedicated 20-amp circuit just for the freezer, ideally with a single plug that doesn’t require GFCI protection, thanks to code exceptions for garages. Definitely reach out to an electrician to sort this out properly!
I recommend doing a leakage test on your freezer first to ensure it’s not faulty. A freezer alarm would also be a lifesaver! I wouldn’t suggest getting rid of the GFCI protection, but it’s your call.
Since garage freezers need their dedicated outlets, it’s usually better to talk to an electrician about the issue. Sometimes it helps to try a different brand of GFCI if the problem persists, but I’d generally suggest keeping the GFCI, especially for safety!
Thanks for the idea about the alarm! I'll look into that.