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GFCI Tripping

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bud16415:

--- Quote from: gmdodt on April 13, 2018, 10:30:38 am ---Hmm..so no way to do further diagnosing on this? I suppose disconnecting the heater but I'd probably have to have it disconnected for more than a month to prove it's the heater since it only trips about every 2 weeks. The heater looks good. I have pictures that I posted to another thread, but no signs of moisture or burn marks. I suppose inside of the heater could be leaking? And that's really impossible to know, correct?

--- End quote ---

That’s correct to the best of my knowledge. You wont see any damage that’s what the GFCI does so well. Along with protecting you. The one place you really don’t want 240V is into the water when the water is inside a plastic container.

I’m not an expert but there should be a way to test for insulation break down using a megger tester. Here is a video.
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XV6QlTwobLo

 

bud16415:
Here is a cheap one that got an ok review on line. For 40 bucks it might be worth having.

 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01AL6KZKC/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&psc=1&linkCode=sl1&tag=jostonerehoto-20&linkId=412021d9a94bae68d83baf9d1308ab3b

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1ei4LQAFzA

Botswana:
Thanks...so it seems like I'd have to remove the heater to do the testing if I get one of these. Was hoping for a test without having to drain/disassemble :(

bud16415:

--- Quote from: gmdodt on April 13, 2018, 11:39:19 am ---Thanks...so it seems like I'd have to remove the heater to do the testing if I get one of these. Was hoping for a test without having to drain/disassemble :(

--- End quote ---

 Not sure if you have to remove and drain. You have access to the terminals and the outside pipe. There should be no current path between the two as your zero ohms reading kind of showed. If water is playing a part then you might want the water in there. The difference is with your meter you are putting a couple volts across the insulation and with the megger you are putting 500-1000V the voltage is required as when the insulation is failing it is doing so with 240V. The extra voltage is to just help break thru the interment part of the problem.

Like I said I’m not an expert on Hot tub heaters and what voltage thresholds the insulation systems should provide. There are a lot of members here that are dealers and do frequent testing and repairs, they should know the procedure better than me. I will try and dig around a little more to see if I can find the prescribed test for these heaters. There should be a way to rule it out or in without swapping parts and waiting a month.   

Botswana:
Oh okay, I understand now.  Doing the same test I did but with a megger.  Makes sense.  I'll try to track someone down that has one for me to borrow.  I really appreciate all your help!

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