Glad everything worked out for you Tom, glad to have you on board, looks like we are getting a few of the GFI related problem questions no doubt because of the all those cookshack Christmas presents, isn't it grand. So many new cooks coming on board.
newbie...just received my smo25...seasoning as we speak...beautiful smoke smell in the garage. Love the forum and all the helpful commentary!!! "On we Smoke"
Congrats on the new smoker, glad to hear that the seasoning process went well. There is a lot of valuable information for the reading here, but don't shy away from asking questions, or even better, a post with some pics.
Your probably smart hiding the smoker in the garage, but don't worry, the neighbors will found out soon enough. It then will be PARTY TIME at the hoosier house...LOL!
Once again congrats and welcome to the CS forum!
Your probably smart hiding the smoker in the garage, but don't worry, the neighbors will found out soon enough. It then will be PARTY TIME at the hoosier house...LOL!
Once again congrats and welcome to the CS forum!
cal is right, have questions ask.
We're here to help and occassionally we have new owners or lurkers that don't ask question but they get frustrated.
Just ask.
My policy on the forum is to be helpful, have fun and be friendly.
We're here to help and occassionally we have new owners or lurkers that don't ask question but they get frustrated.
Just ask.
My policy on the forum is to be helpful, have fun and be friendly.
After a couple of years of problem-free smoking, I ran into the same problem about two hours ago. I came straight to the CS Forums, found this thread (and the others), picked up a 25' extension cord from Walmart, ran it under the garage door to a non-GFI outlet, and am now sitting outside enjoying the weather and the smell of hickory.
This isn't the first time I've benefitted from the collective experience of this community. But this time I wanted to be sure to say thanks to all of you!
This isn't the first time I've benefitted from the collective experience of this community. But this time I wanted to be sure to say thanks to all of you!
Just bought a used 105 and had similar problem with tripping GFCI. Plugged into non GFCI outlet and had no problem. Also found that since this unit had been stored for awhile there were threads of spider web from element terminals to the case. Removed the spider web and plugged back into GFCI outlet and unit works perfectly. Probably just enough current through web to trip GFCI.
Same problem here. Just tried to season my unit and the GFI trips. Will try to plug it on a non GFI circuit.
After six years with no issues, my Amerique started tripping GFCI outlets, very frustrating as that's all I have outside, and they were all tied into my garage freezer and refrigerator.
I did a lot of research on the Internet, and it turns out that if your heating element is chipped in any way or fashion it will trip GFCI outlets until it gets warmed up.
I replaced my heating element (no easy task on an Amerique) and no more problems!
David
I did a lot of research on the Internet, and it turns out that if your heating element is chipped in any way or fashion it will trip GFCI outlets until it gets warmed up.
I replaced my heating element (no easy task on an Amerique) and no more problems!
David
Another possibility besides the element is the GFCI itself. They do go bad sometimes.
I am having a similar issue with a SM025. It has been in garage storage for several years and trips the main house 20amp breaker when it starts warming up (approx 1-2 minutes). I changed outlets and still am tripping breakers. Removed the back cover and controller to inspect the wiring/motherboard and visual everything looks good. I am hoping it is not the controller as seeing replacements around $400. Got a note into customer service. This is a unique case as it belongs to my father who stopped using it about 8 years ago and it worked fine before storage. Any ideas what to inspect? thanks
These ideas may not work but it will give you something to do. A the same outlet, plug in another heat producing appliance like a toaster oven (crank up the temp) or a steam iron on a high setting. Does the breaker trip?
Plug the smoker into a different outlet NOT connected to the breaker that is tripping.
Lastly, check the heating element per the link below. I don't know if any of this will help but your testing may help you and CookShack figure out what is happening.
Some of the threads I've seen along this line also advise putting a running hair dryer in the smoker. Supposedly there's moisture in the element/connections that can cause a short. Running the hair dryer on low for a couple of hours will dry it out. Of course I would monitor the temp in smoker to make sure there is no danger of fire.
I completely forgot about the moisture issue. Glad you brought it up.
Appreciate the help. Will focus on the element now. Note: I did attempt to run the smoke at another house at it tripped that breaker also. thanks again.
Lots of people seeing this issue. My experience is similar, tripped my GFCI. I ended up having my electrician install a dedicated GFCI circuit to my Patio and that worked but every once in a while I'll get a trip after about 3-4 minutes after unit has not been used for a while (months). If I switch to a non GFCI circuit it will work just fine.
I think the heating element has just enough leakage to trip the GFCI protection but it isnt a "short" such that it is tripping on overload.
Once unit has done the initial warm up I can switch back to the GFCI circuit and it will work just fine.
I suspect Humidity is the culprit here.
Appreciate everyone's advice. Ran the smoker with an extension cord to a non-GFCI breaker and no longer tripping the circuit breaker in the house. Heading to Costco to pick up a flat brisket. thanks
Costco generally sells their prime at a lower price than choice when you get the whole packer. Good meats. Enjoy!
I use a 12 gauge cord. Voltage drop on any lighter cords is to much.