Is it possible to plug in the controller backwards, Bought a brand new sm045 from Marketplace and it is kicking the GFI off just after it starts to heat. It's on a 20 amp circuit with nothing else running on it should handle this with no problem. Thank you
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I'd first check the GFI. Depending on the quality, they can degrade pretty fast after installation, especially if they are installed outdoors. I've had to replace a few low quality GFI outlets after only a couple of years, even mounted inside "weatherproof" boxes. If the GFI is good (I use a small circuit tester with three LED bulbs on it that tells you about bad connections), then I'd suggest calling CS. I seem to remember a pretty recent thread here with the same issue, which might have some good info on resolution. Good luck!
GFI's kicking are normally due to moisture in the end seal of the heating element. The easiest fix is to plug it into a non-gfi plug and run the unit for about 20 minutes. After that you should be able to use it on a gfi plug.
Looks like I bought a Stainless steel box took the back off and checked everything no moisture all connections are tight still trips breaker as soon as the heating element kicks in, element shows to be good and it does start to heat before it kicks the breaker, I did hook it up to my generator and it showed it was pulling 800 watts before it kicked out. Maybe a bad controller, I may just see if I can get some of my money back and call it a day.
Check the wiring for any breaks and continuity. It may have a neutral mixed up with a ground somewhere. And I find it suspicious that it doesn't trip until it heats up. You may have a bad heating element.
It kicks out about a minute or less after the element comes on so it never gets very hot.the element might be doing something after it starts to get warm, not sure. I sure hope it's not the controller, I'm beginning to thank the first person that bought it had problems and then just gave it to a friend that sold it to me, it's the chance you take.
Looks like problem solved I did as suggested and broke down and brought it inside to a non GFI circuit so far it's at 150 and still working.
Thank's for all the tips.
Some smokers seem to need a "drying out" after being stored. I have seen a few threads in other forums where the user has trouble with GFI outlets. After they try a regular circuit and run the smoker for awhile, they work just fine on a GFI circuit. Supposition is that there is some moisture in/on the element that allows enough current leakage to trip the GFI. Getting the element hot gets rid of the moisture and things work again.
I bought a better quality GFI and going to give it a try, if the problem is still there's my only choice will be to eliminate the GFI, I live in the mountains and moisture is always a problem, but at least I know it's not the smoker and that is a relief I can work around the GFI if I have to.
Cross fingers......
Good luck.