GFI Replacement + Charger Issue

picturethis

I have a GFI outlet in my battery switch box that wont reset.  The plug is still hot,  my question is do I really need to replace it since it still works??    I seldom use it for anything.  
   Not sure if its a related issue but........
I also noticed that the battery charger (Guest 2615) doesnt hum anymore when its plugged in to shore power but its still charging,  It used to make a noise when hooked up 

picturethis

All items are stock to the boat

skennelly

Personally I would replace if the gfci protection isn't working.

Ian

I agree, the outlet may work but the protection it provides won't.

Like the tagline but no questions are dumb - except the one you don't ask and should have!

raybo3

How do you know it wont reset if its not tripped???? Did you push the "test" button? It does not have to reset if its not tripped. If its bad then it needs to be replaced. As far as the battery charger. If the batteries are fully charged then there is no load on the charger so maybe that is why your not hearing it hum.......

skennelly

good point @raybo3

picturethis

The test tab is stuck out,  so it wont test .   since the GFIC is bad will it effect other things in the system,  like causing other electrical gremlins ??

raybo3

Ahh OK so it wont trip when you hit the test or trip button. Now we are getting somewhere....lol GFCI is bad. Just replace it with another one. Just make sure to wire it the same way as the old one with the shore power off. No a bad GFCI should not cause any problems or "gremlins" anywhere else in the boat. It just may not trip if something should happen and it needs to trip causing a hazard. Replace it!!

Glassguy54

Does replacement have to be USCG approved for marine use, or can he just put any ol' Home Depot GFCI in there?

picturethis

The guy at marine supply shop told me he sells the same one as Lowes

MarkB

Replace it, they are cheap, and they use GFIs for a good reason.

davidbrooks

just put in a exterior grade GFCI from HD or Lowes.  Much safer than wondering. That will likely be the cheapest part you ever have to replace on your boat.