The GFCI trips because you created a ground fault, and that's what they're supposed to do when they sense a ground fault. It doesn't matter whether the fault is on the hot or cold side, because the GFCI doesn't really distinguish between hot and cold. All it cares about is whether the current through the two conductors is exactly the same or not. When you short the neutral to ground at the receptacle, you've created another path for current to follow. As a result, there's less current traveling through the neutral conductor than through the hot conductor. Ground fault!
This probably makes sense as long as there's a load on the GFCI, so there's actually current traveling through it. Now I think what's puzzling you is you've seen it happen even if there's nothing plugged in. But when you connect the neutral and ground together, you've made a nice loop which will pick up induced current from all the current flowing in adjacent conductors. When you induce current in the neutral but not in the hot conductor, the GFCI says "Ground Fault!"
We sell tractor parts! We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today. [ About Us ]
Today's Featured Article - On the Road with Dave Gohl: Auction Musings - by Dave Gohl. I was thinking the other day about all the auctions I've been to in the last few years. There've been many. Some have been very good, some have been well, disappointing to say the least. But no matter how good or bad auctions may be, we always seem to stay until the item we've come for or are interested in is on the block. I've been to some auctions near and far. I think the furthest has been the Two Cylinder 7 in the Amana Colonies last year. Lots of stuff, lots of people. I've also atten
... [Read Article]
Latest Ad:
Late 50s early 60s international harvester 560 with cultivator
[More Ads]
All Rights Reserved. Reproduction of any part of this website, including design and content, without written permission is strictly prohibited. Trade Marks and Trade Names contained and used in this Website are those of others, and are used in this Website in a descriptive sense to refer to the products of others. Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy
TRADEMARK DISCLAIMER: Tradenames and Trademarks referred to within Yesterday's Tractor Co. products and within the Yesterday's Tractor Co. websites are the property of their respective trademark holders. None of these trademark holders are affiliated with Yesterday's Tractor Co., our products, or our website nor are we sponsored by them. John Deere and its logos are the registered trademarks of the John Deere Corporation. Agco, Agco Allis, White, Massey Ferguson and their logos are the registered trademarks of AGCO Corporation. Case, Case-IH, Farmall, International Harvester, New Holland and their logos are registered trademarks of CNH Global N.V.
