GE GFW650SSN1WN Front Load Washer trips GFCI ONLY when running Sanitize cycle

[rtvman]

Our GE washer is only about 1.5 weeks old.  We've used it several times with no issues.  When my wife tried to run the Sanitize cycle, about 15 seconds in it tripped the GFCI.  The washer is plugged into a non-GFCI outlet type, but is part of the GFCI "circuit."  After resetting the tripped GFCI outlet which is in the same room as the washer, ANY cycle selected will trip the GFCI.  If I reset and wait a few hours.  All cycles BUT the Sanitize on will work just fine.  I ran an extension cord to a non-GFCI protected outlet and the machine worked fine.  It appears it's only the Sanitize cycle (which apparently super heats the water) that causes the problem.  I don't know if it's a washer issue or a GFCI issue.  This is a new house for us- and it's only 3.5 years old.  Since the washer is within 6 feet of a utility sink, code says we have to use the GFCI.  If I plug the washer into another GFCI outlet (in the garage,)  it trips that one.  The GFCI outlet in the laundry room that trips is on another wall from the washer.  There is a dedicated breaker on the panel in the garage (20 amps) for the washer.  I checked to see if shutting that off turned off any of the other GFCI outlets in the garage but it did not.  Suggestions appreciated.  I have an email in to GE tech support but have not heard back from them.

 

Randy

[ABA Tech]

Appliances in general don’t play well with GFCI outlets or breakers. Unfortunately NEC requires GFCI protected outlets in laundry areas, so it’s a catch 22. I’d try replacing the GFCI breaker or outlet and see if that solves it. Sometimes they start tripping more than they’re supposed to. 

[rtvman]

Had the GFCI outlets tested.  All were fine.  Turns out the GE authorized repairman who originally looked at the issue and told me it could be a GFCI outlet issue, called me back a few days later to tell me he was on another call for the same washer for the same problem.  Turns out GE had a fix.  He replaced a part and added an additonal ground wire.  No more issues.  Might be nice if GE alerted us folks who registered their machines when there is this kind of issue.  Perhaps not all machines/GFCI circuits acted up.  Anyway, problem fixed.

[16345Ed]

On 5/12/2021 at 4:59 PM, rtvman said:

Had the GFCI outlets tested.  All were fine.  Turns out the GE authorized repairman who originally looked at the issue and told me it could be a GFCI outlet issue, called me back a few days later to tell me he was on another call for the same washer for the same problem.  Turns out GE had a fix.  He replaced a part and added an additonal ground wire.  No more issues.  Might be nice if GE alerted us folks who registered their machines when there is this kind of issue.  Perhaps not all machines/GFCI circuits acted up.  Anyway, problem fixed.

Appliances shouldn’t be on GFCIs 

https://appliantology.org/topic/46084-should-appliances-be-plugged-into-gfi-outlets/

[MATTS]

There is and inverter kit withy an extra jumper wire to ground. Also, make sure drain hose is not installed too deep. This tricked me before.

 

[MATTS]

oops. didnt catch the previous post. 

[floridatech]

GE GFCI KIT WH22X34658