Why My Pit Boss Smoker Tripping GFCI + How To Fix [Solved]

In this section, we’ll explore the common causes for Pit Boss smoker tripping breakers and offer you simple solutions.

1. Circuit Overload

Plugging two, three, or even four appliances into a single GFCI outlet makes it overloaded. Because the total wattage has been significantly amplified, there will always be a tiny elevated risk of electrical fires.

It’s doubtful that your GFCI breaker is causing your power trips unless it’s old and worn. However, it’s a simple defect to check for, and eliminating it gets you closer to the true cause of the electrical trips.

Solution:

Simply test the GFCI’s operation with fewer appliances plugged in and disconnecting the smoker as well. If it fails the test, it’s possible that the GFCI, not your smoker, is to blame.

At that point, you’ll need to decrease the number of appliances plugged into the circuit permanently or stop operating them all at once to keep the GFCI from tripping.

2. Lack Of Weatherproofing

If the circuit continues tripping for no apparent reason, the problem could be with your electric smoker. It’s most likely rust, mildew, or other undesired substance inside the device in this instance.

Solution:

Unplug the smoker and properly inspect it for rust, mold, and/or food residues. Concentrate on the heating element of the smoker.

Any substance that collects here can lead to issues and electric malfunctions. Scrub anything that isn’t desirable, such as rust or mold, with 00 steel wool. Then try using the gadget once more.

Using a propane torch to remove water trapped inside the appliance’s heating element can be particularly useful if there is excess moisture on the heating element.

The most typical reason for an electric smoker to trip a home’s breaker is moisture dripping from a heating element.

Protect your outside appliances with a weather protection cover or case to eliminate mold, rust, and drips.

3. Ground Faults

Ground faults accidentally transfer power into the ground, where circuits immediately shut down to offset unexpected fluctuations.

This makes them far more dangerous than ordinary circuit failures; a number of things can conspire to raise the risk of electrocution for anyone standing near a faulty device.

When the GFCI detects even the tiniest amount of current leakage, as little as 0.005 amps, it trips immediately.

Solution:

What is the best way to tell if the current is leaking? Make sure everything on that circuit is unplugged and all the switches are turned off.

Examine the equipment for any signs of wear and tear. Any damage to the electrical component means it is no longer protected from contact. Consult an electrician to help you out at this stage.

4. Moist Receptacle Box

Another common reason for GFCI tripping is moisture accumulation. The most vulnerable installations are outside, and rain is the most typical culprit.

High humidity, however, can promote moisture buildup and make it more difficult for any water trapped in a receptacle box to escape due to Florida’s tropical climate.

Solution:

Examine the receptacle box to begin your search. Before you open the box containing the receptacle, be sure the breaker is turned off. Before attempting to reset the GFCI, make sure the box is completely dry.

Although a basic instrument like a blow dryer can help speed up the drying process, it is better left to a professional.

Make sure the box is waterproof and locked even when the receptor is in use if the installation is outdoors or in high humidity locations like the bathroom or kitchen. Moisture can put you at risk of getting an electric shock if you’re not careful.

5. Electric Fault

It could be an electric issue caused by defective structural wiring if your GFCI outlet trips on a regular basis.

An electrical outlet linked to the same circuit, especially if it was not part of your home’s original wiring, could possibly be the source of the problem.

Solution:

In case you have an electrical problem, you’ll need a skilled electrician to fix it.

6. Faulty GFCI Outlet

If you’ve done everything else and the GFCI outlet reset doesn’t work, the outlet is likely defective.

Internal circuitry in GFCI outlets is extremely responsive, allowing them to detect any faults in the electrical system. The outlet’s sensitive circuitry wears out over time, rendering it inoperable.

Solution:

Replace the GFCI outlet or repair in this scenario, and it should be done by a competent electrician.

7. Broken Heating Element

A broken heating element trips GFCI sometimes. If there is nothing wrong with the GFCI circuit, then this is a likely cause of the issue.

Solution:

Replace the heating element or repair to resolve the problem. You can test your heating element by following the instructions in this video.

How To Repair Tripped GFCI?

Follow the steps below to fix your circuit.

Step 1: Find the breaker box in your house. It could be in the basement, the utility closet, the laundry room, the garage, the hallway, or the garage.

Step 2: When you open the door to your breaker box, you’ll see rows of individual circuit breakers. You should be cautious if the breaker box seems warm. Wait a few minutes to see if it has cooled down. If the circuit breaker is still unusually hot, it is preferable to contact a professional.

Step 3: Figure out which circuit breaker tripped. On circuit breaker switches, there are two or three settings. Those with two choices will be switched on or off. “On,” “off,” and “neutral” are the three positions with three settings on those (center).

Step 4: If the tripped breaker is currently in the “off” position, move it to the “on” position. If it’s in the “neutral” position, turn it off and then back on. Please pause for a moment. The breaker will be reset when the switch is in the “on ” position.

Maintenance Tips To Prevent Pit Boss Smoker From Tripping GFCI

You can do the following to prevent your Pit Boss smoker from tripping the GFCI in the future as well. Unplug the appliance from its socket when you’re done cooking.

Allow gasses and aromas to escape by opening the door. Unplugging a smoker as soon as it’s finished cooking allows it to cool faster and reduces the risk of phantom currents and electrical fires.

1. Allow For Complete Cooling

Unplug the appliance from its socket when you’re done cooking. Allow gasses and aromas to escape by opening the door.

Unplugging a smoker as soon as it’s finished cooking allows it to cool faster and reduces the risk of phantom currents and electrical fires.

2. Keep Outdoor Appliances Covered

Start using a high-quality nylon cover for your Pit Boss straight away if you can afford it. You might also use a waterproof tarpaulin or a hefty insulating blanket.

3. Get Your New Pit Boss Ready

It’s a simple procedure that protects the inside chambers of a smoker against rust. One of the best methods to extend a smoker’s lifespan is to season every 3-6 months, according to smoking experts.

FAQ:

How often should I clean my Pit Boss grill?

After using every 40-60 pounds of pellets in your Pit Boss Grill, the manufacturers recommend you clean it. To clean your grill, vacuum the ash from the fire pot and bottom, scrape any grease from the flame broiler, and wipe it down with a light degreaser.

Is it okay to use my Pit Boss grill in the rain?

Your grill can be used in mild rain, but because it is an electronic appliance, any connections that are exposed to wet must be avoided.

Do meat smokers use a lot of electricity?

No. The majority of electric smokers on the market require an average of 800 watts per hour of power. Multiply the number of hours you smoked meat by 800 to get 4,800.

Is it safe to use an electric smoker overnight?

You can’t leave a smoker unattended, even if you’re cooking for the night. When smoking a brisket or any other meat that requires more than 8 hours of cooking, overnight smoking is required.

How much does it cost to run a pellet grill?

Pellet grills set to 225°F burn pellets at a rate of about 1 pound per hour. Pellet grilling costs roughly $.76 per cooking session for the same one-hour cook as in the previous examples.

Conclusion

Hopefully, we’ve been able to help you out with the issue of your Pit Boss smoker tripping GFCI. Enjoy the grilled meat!

In case you have more questions, leave a comment below. We’ll get back to you soon.

Why My Pit Boss Smoker Tripping GFCI + How To Fix [Solved]

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