700FB Wifi replacement Control

[VTA_PitBoss_Smioker]

I recently installed a wifi controller to my 700FB Pit Boss. Once it ignites, it pops the GFI. If I hook the old controller (display is toast) up and it works fine. Can anyone tell what's going on?

 

[brewersfan73]

I'm no electrician, but I'll give this a shot. You say it only happens when the igniter tries to turn on? As opposed to when you just turn on the controller. And it only happens with the new controller?

The GFCI trips when there is an unintended electrical path between the hot and neutral/ground wires. Since it doesn't trip with your old controller, it tells me the short circuit isn't between the wiring harness and the ignitor. Most likely there is a short circuit either in the ignitor wiring harness from your new controller, insulation gap on the ignitor wire from the controller which might be touching something that is grounded, or something wrong on the circuit board. Do you seen any burn marks anywhere? It may not be noticeable since GFCI's are designed to trip very quickly, but thought I'd ask.

*** WARNING - NOT AN ELECTRICIAN ***

Safest answer: Bad controller. Request a replacement Wifi controller from where ever you purchased it from.

 

[VTA_PitBoss_Smioker]

What I didn't post is that his is the 2nd wifi controller. The 1st one did the same thing.

 

[Tim W]

What I didn't post is that his is the 2nd wifi controller. The 1st one did the same thing.

My user manual stated the some gfci outlets won't work with these grills

 

[brewersfan73]

Well here is probably where I should stop giving advice because I really don't know.

But if you want some really bad advice, keep reading. You've been warned.


Just to confirm, it only happens when the ignitor tries to light, correct? Not just when you turn on the power to the controller but still have it in the "off" position.

If it were me, I'd try plugging it into a non-GFCI protected outlet and see what happens. Perhaps it is an old GFCI outlet that needs to be replaced. And maybe there is something with how the new controller acts that trips it, even though the old one didn't. If the controller itself has a short (and the GFCI was working properly), it may trip your circuit breaker. What I don't know is if it could cause any other damage if the breaker doesn't trip right away. When I first try it, I'd be ready to unplug it really quickly just in case.

 

[brewersfan73]

My user manual stated the some gfci outlets won't work with these grills

Tim - thanks for chiming in. Now I feel a little less bad about my post, although it still might not be the best plan.

 

[VTA_PitBoss_Smioker]

Thanks for all your help. I will check out the GFCI outlet and report back.

 

[Mike From R.I.]

My smoker is fine on a GFIC, but it's 20amp.