I recently had my main electrical box upgraded. When the electrician was testing the receptacles he discovered an open ground on the wires that go to my well. He told me he'd have to dig and install new wires leading to the well. I've lived here for 20 years without a problem. Can this problem be solved simply by installing a ground fault circuit interrupter at the main box?
Our Answer
This is a great question, and my answer is a definite “maybe.” A ground fault circuit interrupter, or GFCI, can certainly be installed and will provide some level of protection. However, when you put one on a circuit that contains any type of big draw, like a well or even a fridge might, you risk the GFCI thinking you’re shorting – which means it might turn that circuit off.
So installing a GFCI is worth a shot, but you're going to have to monitor it. If it trips your breaker, you'll need to repair it the right way. I'm not sure about the necessity of digging it up. Raise the question with a well installer. There might be an easier way to resove this issue without digging up your well.
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