E21
AmazonCommercial Ground Fault Sensitivity / Inrush Current Issue

Disposal trips the GFCI outlet intermittently, especially when starting.

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Safety Warning

This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.

If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.

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Possible Causes

Moisture on motor or wiring, Marginal GFCI device overly sensitive to motor inrush, Slight insulation breakdown in motor, Shared GFCI circuit with other inductive loads

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety First: Do not bypass GFCI protection in wet locations. Turn OFF power before inspection.

  • Step 1 – Inspect for moisture: Check for leaks from the sink flange, dishwasher inlet, or discharge that could be wetting the motor or wiring. Repair any leaks first.
  • Step 2 – Dry the area: Allow the unit and wiring to dry completely. Use a fan if necessary.
  • Step 3 – Test GFCI: Use the TEST and RESET buttons on the GFCI outlet to ensure it functions properly. Replace the GFCI if it fails self-test.
  • Step 4 – Isolate the load: If multiple appliances share the same GFCI, move some loads to a different circuit to reduce nuisance trips.
  • If trips persist: The motor insulation may be degrading. Replacement of the disposal is recommended to maintain electrical safety.
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Repair Difficulty

Medium 3/5

Required Part

Complete Garbage Disposal Unit
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