Why Your Masterbuilt Smoker Trips Gfci And How To Prevent It

Are you having trouble with your Masterbuilt smoker tripping the GFCI? It can be frustrating when you’re ready to cook up a delicious meal but your smoker keeps shutting off. Don’t worry, you’re not alone.

Many people have experienced this issue, and fortunately, there are steps you can take to prevent it from happening again.

In this article, we’ll help you understand why your Masterbuilt smoker is tripping the GFCI and provide you with helpful tips to prevent it. We’ll explain the role of GFCI, identify the possible causes of the tripping, and give you steps to take to prevent it from happening again.

With our help, you’ll be able to enjoy your Masterbuilt smoker without any interruptions.

Table of Contents

Understand the Role of GFCI

You might be wondering why your Masterbuilt smoker keeps tripping the GFCI, but understanding the role of this safety device can help you picture how it protects you from electrical shock.

GFCI stands for Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter, and it’s designed to trip when it detects even a small imbalance in the electrical current flowing through it. This is because an imbalance could mean that some of the electricity is flowing through a path other than the intended one, potentially through a person’s body.

A GFCI works by constantly monitoring the current flowing through it. It measures the current on both the hot and neutral wires and compares them. If there’s even a slight difference between the two, it means that some of the current is flowing through a different path, such as a person’s body. In this case, the GFCI immediately interrupts the flow of electricity, preventing electrical shock.

To prevent your Masterbuilt smoker from tripping the GFCI, you need to make sure that it’s properly grounded. This means that it’s connected to the earth through a grounding wire. If your smoker isn’t properly grounded, it can cause the GFCI to trip.

You should also make sure that your smoker isn’t drawing too much power, as this can also cause the GFCI to trip. If you’re unsure about how to properly ground your smoker or how to reduce its power consumption, you should consult a licensed electrician.

Identify the Cause of the GFCI Tripping

Discovering the root cause of a GFCI tripping can be a tricky puzzle to solve, especially when it comes to your Masterbuilt smoker. However, it’s crucial to identify the cause of the GFCI tripping to prevent future electrical hazards and ensure the proper functioning of your smoker.

Check Your Electrical System

Before plugging in your Masterbuilt smoker, take a moment to check the electrical system in your home to ensure a safe and uninterrupted smoking experience. The first thing to check is the circuit breaker. Make sure that it is the right size for the smoker and that it is not overloaded with other appliances. If the circuit breaker is tripping, it may be due to a faulty wiring or a short circuit. In this case, it is best to consult a licensed electrician to fix the problem.

Another thing to check is the wiring in your house. Make sure that the wiring is up to code and that it can handle the electrical load of the smoker. If the wiring is too old or damaged, it may cause the GFCI to trip. You can also check the wiring by using a voltage tester to make sure that there is no stray voltage in your electrical system.

Lastly, check the GFCI outlet itself. Make sure that it is the right type for the Masterbuilt smoker and that it is not damaged or worn out. A damaged GFCI outlet can cause the circuit to trip, even if there is no problem with the electrical system. You can also try replacing the GFCI outlet with a new one to see if that solves the problem.

By taking the time to check your electrical system before using your Masterbuilt smoker, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable smoking experience. Remember to consult a licensed electrician if you suspect any electrical issues in your home. Stay safe and happy smoking!

Use a Dedicated Circuit

If you want to prevent your Masterbuilt smoker from tripping a GFCI, you should consider using a dedicated circuit.

This means you’ll have a separate electrical circuit just for your smoker, which will limit power usage and avoid overloading circuits.

By doing this, you’ll ensure that your smoker runs smoothly and that you don’t have to worry about any electrical problems.

Limit Power Usage

Reducing power usage can ensure your beloved masterbuilt smoker doesn’t trip the GFIC, giving you peace of mind and uninterrupted BBQ sessions. Here are some ways you can limit the power usage of your smoker:

Use a smaller wattage heating element: A lower wattage heating element will draw less power and reduce the chances of tripping the GFIC.
Avoid using extension cords: Extension cords can cause voltage drops which can lead to increased power usage. It’s best to plug your smoker directly into an outlet.
Turn off unnecessary features: Some features on your smoker, such as the interior light or the digital display, consume power unnecessarily. Turn them off when you don’t need them.
Avoid opening the door frequently: Opening the door frequently can cause heat loss, which in turn causes your smoker to draw more power to maintain the desired temperature.
Use a timer: Using a timer can help you keep track of the cooking time and shut off the smoker automatically, preventing it from consuming power unnecessarily.

By implementing these tips, you can limit the power usage of your masterbuilt smoker and prevent it from tripping the GFIC, ensuring that you can enjoy your BBQ sessions without any interruptions.

Avoid Overloading Circuits

To avoid overloading circuits, make sure you’re mindful of the number of appliances and electronics you have plugged in at once. If you have multiple devices running on the same circuit, it can cause the circuit to trip and cut off power to your smoker.

To prevent this from happening, try to limit the number of high-powered devices running on the same circuit as your smoker. Another way to avoid overloading circuits is to spread out your appliances and electronics across multiple circuits.

This means plugging your smoker into a different circuit than your other high-powered devices, such as your refrigerator or air conditioner. If you’re unsure of which circuits are connected to which outlets, consult an electrician to help you distribute your devices properly and prevent overloading.

By being mindful of the number of devices you have plugged in and spreading them out across multiple circuits, you can prevent your smoker from tripping the GFCI and enjoy uninterrupted smoking sessions.

Use an Extension Cord

Using an extension cord can be a helpful solution for preventing your Masterbuilt smoker from tripping the GFCI. The reason why an extension cord can help is because it can provide an additional outlet for your smoker, which can help distribute the electrical load.

Make sure to use an outdoor-rated extension cord that’s appropriate for your smoker’s wattage and length requirements. When using an extension cord, make sure you take precautions to prevent it from becoming a tripping hazard. Keep it away from high traffic areas and secure it with clips or tape to prevent anyone from tripping over it. Additionally, make sure to keep the cord dry and away from water sources to prevent electrocution.

Remember that using an extension cord is only a temporary solution. If your smoker continues to trip the GFCI, it may be an indication of a more serious electrical problem. Consult a professional electrician to inspect your smoker and electrical system to resolve the issue.

Maintain Your Masterbuilt Smoker

If you want to keep your Masterbuilt smoker in good condition, you need to maintain it properly. Firstly, make sure to clean it regularly, especially after each use.

Secondly, check for any damage or wear and tear on a regular basis, and repair or replace any parts that are damaged.

By taking these simple steps, you’ll be able to use your smoker for years to come.

Clean the Smoker Regularly

Maintaining your smoker’s cleanliness is crucial in preventing it from tripping the GFCI. Your Masterbuilt smoker is exposed to smoke, grease, and food debris every time you use it, so residues can build up over time and affect the smoker’s performance.

Here are three ways to clean your smoker regularly:

Remove and clean the grease tray – This tray collects the grease and drippings from your food. If it’s not cleaned regularly, it can cause a buildup that can lead to short circuits and tripping the GFCI.
Wipe down the interior – Use a damp cloth to wipe down the interior of your smoker after every use. This will remove any leftover food residue and prevent buildup.
Clean the heating element – The heating element is responsible for generating heat in your smoker. Over time, it can accumulate grease, which can cause it to malfunction. Clean the heating element with a soft-bristled brush to prevent this from happening.

Check for Damage or Wear and Tear

Regularly checking for any signs of damage or wear and tear is essential to ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your smoker. Over time, the wires and electrical components of your smoker may become damaged due to exposure to the elements, wear and tear, or accidents.

If any of the wires are frayed or damaged, this can lead to a short circuit which can trip the GFCI. To prevent this from happening, inspect your smoker regularly for any signs of damage or wear and tear. Check the cords and wires for any visible damage, such as cracks, cuts, or frayed wires.

If you notice any damage, it’s important to replace the affected parts immediately or have a professional take a look at it. By doing so, you can ensure that your smoker is safe to use and that it will provide you with years of delicious smoked foods.

Seek Professional Help

Sometimes, even with proper use and care, your Masterbuilt smoker may still trip the GFCI. This can be frustrating, especially if you’ve tried all the troubleshooting tips and still can’t seem to fix the issue.

When this happens, it’s time to seek professional help. A certified electrician or appliance repair technician will be able to diagnose and fix the problem safely and effectively. Trying to fix electrical issues on your own can be dangerous, especially if you don’t have the necessary knowledge and experience.

It’s important to remember that electricity can be deadly, and attempting to fix an electrical problem without the proper training and equipment can result in serious injury or even death. Seeking professional help not only ensures your safety, but it also guarantees that the problem will be fixed correctly.

Hiring a professional may cost more than attempting to fix the problem yourself, but it’s a small price to pay for your safety and peace of mind. Plus, a professional can help you prevent further issues down the line. They can also provide guidance on how to properly maintain and care for your Masterbuilt smoker, so you can avoid encountering electrical issues in the future.

Don’t hesitate to seek professional help if you’re experiencing problems with your smoker. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Why Your Masterbuilt Smoker Trips Gfci And How To Prevent It - Dream Outdoor Living (2024)