Pete,
Try disconnecting the wires going to the terminal strip for the four outlets
and see if the RP light stays on. If it does then reconnect the strip and
disconnect the outlets one at a time. If it does not then disconnect the line
side of the GFCI (back to original no GFCI configuration) and check the RP. Is
the RP light bright or dim? Obviously, do this in a safe manner.
Paul
C-27 4452 for 30 years and counting
----- Original Message -----
From: PeterE
To: [email protected]
Sent: Friday, July 23, 2010 9:51 AM
Subject: [IC27A] Re: Why did a new GFCI cause reverse polarity?
Thanks Mark and k1pt,
Mark - Good point. But for once I was a step ahead of the game :). RP was
fine before I made the changes in the panel. That is, the RP indicator was not
lit. So, I 'assume' polarity was correct, but now I'm wondering... ...maybe
the RP condition existed, but was undetected. An circuit checker will answer
that question. But even still, reversed-or-not, undetected-or-not, something
is now different which causes the indicator to light!
k1pt - Thanks, the sailboatowners.com thread has some great info. It give
reassurance that RP and GFCI are 'two different things'. But, as such, just
adds to my puzzle: How did adding a GFCI cause RP indicator to light.
Of course I'll TRIPLE-check my wiring (black to bronze, white to silver...),
and will test with a circuit checker and volt meter.
But in the meantime I'll appreciate your ideas and suggestions!
Thanks,
Pete
--- In [email protected], "k1pt" <k...@...> wrote:
>
> see http://forums.sbo.sailboatowners.com/archive/index.php/t-59072.html
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: PeterE
> To: [email protected]
> Sent: Thursday, July 22, 2010 2:52 PM
> Subject: [IC27A] Why did a new GFCI cause reverse polarity?
>
>
>
> Thanks to all of you who post more often than I. Your willingness to share
your knowledge is appreciated!
>
> Yesterday I added a GFCI to my (1986) boat's electrical system. The
mechanical work went "OK"; Wiring was a cinch. But when I applied power the
'Polarity Reversed' indicator lights up. What would cause this? More
importantly, how can I fix it?
>
> Regarding electrical details, the GFCI replaced the duplex outlet mounted
on the side of the power panel. It was inserted into the circuit between the
main breaker and the power terminal strip (which feeds power to the remaining 4
duplex outlets). So, power path is Breaker -> GFCI Line side -> GFCI Load side
-> term strip/4 outlets.
>
> Maybe someone will benefit from knowing about how I did this project:
>
> I needed a couple of spade terminals (12# wire; yellow color) but,
surprisingly, did not need any additional wire. That's significant, since it's
a bit special, as it's stranded wire. I removed the line connections from the
terminal strip and attached them directly to the line side of the new GFCI. For
connection to the load side of the GFCI, I simply re-used the two short lengths
of wire which had been used to supply power from the terminal strip to the
original duplex outlet.
>
> Regarding mechanicals, it was a bit of a challenge to enlarge the cut-out
to accommodate the larger size of the GFCI duplex outlet. Due to space
limitations it's difficult to use a saw. I used a Dremel-type tool. I didn't
know which tips/blades would be best to cut through the wood (1/2") and
fiberglass (1/4"). I tried 3 or 4, and still don't know! (Neither worked very
good). Ironically, when I finally used a sanding tip, to smooth-out edges, I
found that it cut (sanded-away) better than the other tools! Go figure!
>
> Thanks for your help.
>
> Pete
> 'Still Fiesty' -- '6171 TR
>
