GFCI Wiring Issue

[Rebel Darling]

I want to put two GFCI receptacles on a circuit. As far as I can tell, there are only two receptacles on the circuit - no fixtures, just the two receptacles (house is bought, and there is no schematic for the wiring). I've tested every switch and receptacle in the kitchen, and these are the only two that are off when I flip the dedicated circuit in the breaker box.
 
I wired the first GFCI on the LINE side only, so as to deliver independent power to the second GFCI, which is the last receptacle on the circuit.
 
The second receptacle powers all devices fine, and doesn't break the circuit.
 
The first receptacle (the one that delivers power to the second) keeps breaking the circuit, even after resetting and leaving it unplugged.
 
Everything is wired and grounded in the wall box properly, as far as I can tell.
 
Any ideas as to what the issue might be?
 
 
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[Culvercreek hunt club]

3 minutes ago, Rebel Darling said:

I want to put two GFCI receptacles on a circuit. As far as I can tell, there are only two receptacles on the circuit - no fixtures, just the two receptacles (house is bought, and there is no schematic for the wiring). I've tested every switch and receptacle in the kitchen, and these are the only two that are off when I flip the dedicated circuit in the breaker box.
 
I wired the first GFCI on the LINE side only, so as to deliver independent power to the second GFCI, which is the last receptacle on the circuit.
 
The second receptacle powers all devices fine, and doesn't break the circuit.
 
The first receptacle (the one that delivers power to the second) keeps breaking the circuit, even after resetting and leaving it unplugged.
 
Everything is wired and grounded in the wall box properly, as far as I can tell.
 
Any ideas as to what the issue might be?
 
 
I'm all thumbs when using Tapatalk

just wondering why you would do that?  if you had the outlet first in line protected by a GFCi the second would be protected as well. 

[Rebel Darling]

just wondering why you would do that?  if you had the outlet first in line protected by a GFCi the second would be protected as well. 

Code. Within 6 feet of a water source.


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[Rack Attack]

8 minutes ago, Rebel Darling said:

 

 

Code. Within 6 feet of a water source.


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As long as it is protected by a GFI (which it is if there is one feeding the circuit) it meets code.  Like stated, you only need one in a circuit.

[ncountry]

Is this how you have it wired?

[Rebel Darling]

As long as it is protected by a GFI (which it is if there is one feeding the circuit) it meets code.  Like stated, you only need one in a circuit.

This is a handy short-cut to meet code, but I still think I might have to add two to meet town code, but I'll double check.

There's also a convenience element, even though they're close together...

I'm still curious to know if anyone has insight into the issue as it stands. I'm hoping that there isn't a larger issue I'm unaware of.


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[Culvercreek hunt club]

Like shown in the left portion of the diagram. If you are powering from the Line side you need them on each outlet.  If you are powering from the load side it isn't required by code but the AHJ may interpret it that way. (wrong in my  opinion) If you are set on having two GFCI outlets then wire them off the line side  (like the left portion of the pic) and you will have less issues. 

[Rebel Darling]

Is this how you have it wired?

I have them wired like the two left GFCI in the diagram. The first GFCI is wired to the LINE side only and is grounded to the wall box. There are two wires in the box. The first delivers power from the breaker box. The second wire goes to the second wall box.

The second GFCI is wired to the LINE side only and grounded to the wall box. There is one wire in this wall box.

According to all diagrams, videos, etc, my wiring should work, but the first GFCI will not power any devices, and breaks power delivery after a while even if left alone.

Since my wiring matches diagrams, etc., I'm concerned that there is a larger issue I'm unaware of, and am looking for insight...


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[ncountry]

As long as you are sure you didn't wire to load side anywhere. I would replace 1st gfci. Or switch places with 2nd one and put regular one in 2nd spot wired to the load side .like in diagram. That is standard operating procedure.

[Culvercreek hunt club]

4 minutes ago, Rebel Darling said:

 

I have them wired like the two left GFCI in the diagram. The first GFCI is wired to the LINE side only and is grounded to the wall box. There are two wires in the box. The first delivers power from the breaker box. The second wire goes to the second wall box.

The second GFCI is wired to the LINE side only and grounded to the wall box. There is one wire in this wall box.

According to all diagrams, videos, etc, my wiring should work, but the first GFCI will not power any devices, and breaks power delivery after a while even if left alone.

Since my wiring matches diagrams, etc., I'm concerned that there is a larger issue I'm unaware of, and am looking for insight...


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I take it you have metal boxes?  when you say they are grounded to the wall box. The grounds are also attached to each other and continuous back to the panel box, right?

 

I have seen bad GFCI outlets before. 

[Rebel Darling]

I gotta go to work... I'll be back at this later... thanks very much for all the help so far. Very much appreciated.


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[CoffeeBoy]

Put a GFCI in the first box. Wire power from the panel to the line side, wire the feed for the second receptacle to the load side, put a regular 15amp receptacle in the second box. That's the simplest way (also least expensive: $1 receptacle vs $12 gfci).

It will pass code, no problem.

A semi unrelated tip, if your outside or garage receptacles ever lose power, check the GFCI in the garage or the first floor 1/2 bath.....thats usually the issue


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[landtracdeerhunter]

I lean toward the GFCI circuit breakers if the line is dedicated to GFCI circuit.  Use can use standard receptacles which need to be clearly marked. Far less mechanical parts to fail .  A 15 amp breaker can be picked up for $40 retail and very easy to install if you know your way in a panel box. The inspectors I get,  prefer this installation.

Edited December 27, 2017 by landtracdeerhunter

[Rebel Darling]

In the end, I installed a regular receptacle in the second box.

I left the original GFCI in the first box (re-wiring it to load the second receptacle), so I know that the initial GFCI receptacle was in working order.

Just to see, and as a test, I switched it up, and installed regular receptacle in the first box, and left the second GFCI in the second box.  So...  Neither GFCI was bad, but I couldn't get them to work together on the same circuit.

The mystery remains, but I'm done with that project, leaving it alone.

Thanks again, all.  Much appreciated.

[Larry]

You could have put in a GFCI breaker and used regular outlets if they are on their own line.