GFCI tripping

[rgnbull1227]

Have a Swim Spa and the GFCI trips immediately. Went one by one and disconnected components. Culprit is the heater but I replaced this element April of 2023 and never had issues. Tested continuity-GOOD, Testing Resistance-NORMAL RANGE. No corrosion on posts etc. Any other ideas why the heater is tripping the GFI?
Thanks,

 

[JamesW]

Did you test continuity to ground?

Turn off the breaker to the spa and test resistance (ohms) from the terminal to ground.

Do not do anything you are not 100% sure you can do safely.

 

[rgnbull1227]

Did you test continuity to ground?

Turn off the breaker to the spa and test resistance (ohms) from the terminal to ground.

Do not do anything you are not 100% sure you can do safely.

Just tested from the heater posts to the ground. NO Continuity. If I test the ground to the outside of the heater tube, there is continuity. When testing resistance to ground, the numbers start at 8 and keep climbing to 30+

 

[JamesW]

You might need a megohmeter.

If the gfci is tripping, you have leakage to ground.

You probably have a bad element.

Elements typically fail due to dry firing or scaling.

 

[JamesW]

Just tested from the heater posts to the ground. NO Continuity. If I test the ground to the outside of the heater tube, there is continuity. When testing resistance to ground, the numbers start at 8 and keep climbing to 30+

The tube will have continuity to ground.

If the gfci only trips when the heater is connected, it probably means that the element is bad.

You can remove the element to look for damage like a crack in the insulation.

 

[JamesW]

A regular ohmmeter will be limited to a certain range of ohms that it can actually measure.

If the resistance is above a specific amount, you will get O.L which means Over Limit or Open Line.

Did the meter show O.L?

A megometer can test resistance levels that are much higher than a regular ohmmeter can do.

In any case, the easiest thing to do is replace the element.

 

[rgnbull1227]

The tube will have continuity to ground.

If the gfci only trips when the heater is connected, it probably means that the element is bad.

You can remove the element to look for damage like a crack in the insulation.

Yes and tripping immediately when power is present, NOT when the system is calling for Heat.

 

[JamesW]

Maybe a fault in the power pack.

What is the pack model number?

Can you show pictures of everything?

 

[JamesW]

If the heater is not connected, then the GFCI does not trip?

 

[rgnbull1227]

If the heater is not connected, then the GFCI does not trip?

Correct. I disconnected the two copper tabs from the heater element and spa runs as normal. No tripping breaker.

 

[JamesW]

Maybe a bad element, but that should only trip during call for heat.

Maybe a stuck relay.

Maybe the element is always getting power due to a stuck relay?

Possibly a stuck relay and a bad element.

Does the element get power when no call for heat?

 

[rgnbull1227]

Maybe a bad element, but that should only trip during call for heat.

Maybe a stuck relay.

Maybe the element is always getting power due to a stuck relay?

Possibly a stuck relay and a bad element.

Does the element get power when no call for heat?

thats a really good point. Any idea how to ID the relay for This unit? Its a Balboa VSS.

 

[JamesW]

There should be a wiring diagram on the inside of the cover.

 

[JamesW]

Turn off power at the breaker and test for continuity from the hot wire line in lugs to ground.

 

[JamesW]

Remove the element to see if it looks damaged.

 

[JamesW]

Can you show this label better?

 

[rgnbull1227]

Can you show this label better?

View attachment 559110

Replaced the element. That was the cause. There was a little rust inside on the element where they come through to the Electrical connections. Thanks for all the help.