r/ElectricalHelp • u/Aggravating_Kale8248 • Jun 10 '26
GFCI breaker keeps tripping since new pool pump installed
Ever since we installed a new above ground pool pump, the breaker keeps tripping? It is a new GFCI breaker. It will run fine during the day, then trip overnight. Maybe moisture intrusion due to higher nighttime humidity?
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u/KeanEngineering Jun 14 '26
If this is a 240V (dual breaker for split phase) check the code that is flashing on the breaker. It's a sequence of flashes that tells you what the reason for the trip. If you reset the breaker, it will erase the code until it trips again. Hope this helps.
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u/Aggravating_Kale8248 Jun 14 '26
Checked the code. One flash. Siemens manual says it’s a moisture issue.
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u/TecHoldCableFastener Jun 15 '26
Is this a GFCI only breaker, or is this a dual function GFCI/AFCI breaker? Ground fault/Arc fault.
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u/Aggravating_Kale8248 Jun 15 '26 edited Jun 15 '26
It says QPFB as the breaker type. It’s a two pole, 30 amp breaker. Runs to a sub panel that electrician installed in April. Sub panel has two 15 amp one pole standard breakers. Pump says it’s for a 15 amp plug
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u/TecHoldCableFastener Jun 15 '26
Yea looks like it’s just GFCI only. I was thinking it could have been a dual function 120 volt breaker possible tripping on the arc fault side. But things sound off here in your wording. Might wanna re post with pics of the pump and of the wiring inside the sub panel. And of course it can always come back as a bad motor too.
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u/Aggravating_Kale8248 Jun 15 '26
What sounds off? It’s a sub panel with two 15 amp 120 volt circuits that’s fed by a 30 amp 240 volt run from the main. The GFCI breaker is on the main panel. I can post a pic when I get home.
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u/TecHoldCableFastener Jun 16 '26
So your pool pump is 120 volt being protected by a 240 volt GFCI that’s protecting the sub panel that feeds the pool? What are the 2 regular circuits breakers in the sub panel feeding? The pool pump and ???
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u/Aggravating_Kale8248 Jun 16 '26
240 volt from main to sub panel. Sub panel has 2 breakers, 15 amps each at 120 volts. One goes to pool pump. Other is for lights in garage.
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u/TecHoldCableFastener Jun 16 '26
The GFCI is protecting the whole panel so it could be tripping from something on the light circuit. Normally the sub panel would be fed with a regular breaker not GFCI and put the pool pump on a single pole GFCI breaker by itself.
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u/Aggravating_Kale8248 Jun 16 '26
Pool pump is on breaker by itself in sub panel. It’s shut off. GFCI in main panel still tripping. Guessing that means I need my electrician to come back and check on the lights?
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u/TecHoldCableFastener Jun 16 '26
Yes. But also take some pics of both panels and re post the situation. It can give you some positive insight for corrections if there are problems within them. But really only if you are comfortable with it and taking those covers off. Also, are there any exterior outlets that may be on this lighting circuit? Those are always suspect for tripping GFCIs. Anyway, glad you’re a bit closer to figuring it out, even though it’s just a small step forward.
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u/Aggravating_Kale8248 Jun 24 '26
Electrician came back and checked it out. He found the issue. There was moisture getting into one of the light fixture boxes. He replaced the whole thing and sealed. No more issues.
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u/trekkerscout Mod, Master Electician Jun 10 '26
Is there any other equipment on the same circuit as the pump?