Question for an electrician/person who is handy

[RGD.]

Originally Posted by SvilleKid

. . . I think you might be prepared to replace the BBQ.

Agreed.

If you have a GFI breaker and/or plug in a circuit, and it trips more than two or three times, you might as well plan on replacing the GFI.

Agreed.

Originally Posted by MikeyC

. . . if anyone had any other ideas before I buy a new BBQ or have an electrician rip open the walls of my home.

You don't need to rip open any walls. Through normal use the BBQ heating element changes it's resistance which means it draws more amps and eventually sets off the GFI.

Your bathroom and hence the outside outlet is wired at 15 amps. Try plugging the BBQ into a 20 amp circuit and see what happens. I'm assuming since you are using an extension cord that the cord from the BBQ isn't long enough - so - try using the shortest extension cord that you can find and make sure that it is made from 12 gauge wire and not 14. I have seen extension cords labeled "Heavy Duty" in Home Depot and Lowes that are made from 14 gauge. That's not a heavy duty cord in my opinion. Appliance cords are normally 12 gauge and come in 6 - 8 and 12 foot lengths.

Good luck with it -


Ron

[MikeyC]

Well, I bought a new BBQ today at Lowe's. I plugged it in and let it run a while and it never tripped the GFCI. I'm annoyed that I had to replace a BBQ that lives on a covered patio after only 2 years, but the upside is the new model seems much better built and has some features that I feel are a nice improvement.

Originally Posted by alley00p

Hey BTW, how have you've been?

Hey Charlie! I'm doing well. I just had a son and he's one month old as of tomorrow. Being a dad is great, but of course is a lot of work as well. Work keeps me busy as well and it seems assembling BBQs are now a drain on my time as well.

Originally Posted by RGD.

You don't need to rip open any walls. Through normal use the BBQ heating element changes it's resistance which means it draws more amps and eventually sets off the GFI.

Ron,

It sounds like you're saying by nature electric BBQ's have a limited life expectancy. Just another reason to hate electric BBQs I guess. Hopefully, I'll be moving into a single family home before this new one craps out. Then I can get a gas grill and a charcoal smoker!