We have this same problem every year using my RV for field day.  The GFI's
in the RV control nearly every outlet.  100 watts to a nearby antenna, and
the GFI's trip nearly every outlet.  For this last June, I wired a special
circuit to the main panel to give the operating position it's own GFI-free
outlet.  End of problems.

Turns out the GFI's are a special kind, designed just for walls in RV's,
and you're pretty much stuck with what you have.

73, Guy.

On Sat, Jul 28, 2012 at 8:59 AM, John Shadle <sha...@katzenfisch.com> wrote:

> Hi all,
> I realize that this is tangentially related to Elecraft gear since I'm
> using a K3 and experiencing this issue, but I thought someone else may
> have some knowledge to share with me to help me solve my problem.
>
> Recently I stopped using a 25' long extension cord to power my
> computer, power supply, and other accessories and installed a 2 gang
> box directly off of the main electrical panel, where my shack happens
> to be (in the basement). While our basement is waterproofed, it still
> has a concrete floor, which "requires" a GFI outlet (according to my
> electrician). To do my due diligence, I installed one GFI in the 2
> gang box and 1 regular 3-prong grounded outlet. I have my shack
> computer, my power supply, and my transformer for my SGC SG-231
> autotuner plugged into this.
>
> Last night I tuned up (15W) 20m and was hoping to work some DX. My SWR
> showed <2.0:1 on my SWR meter and on the K3. All is good. When I keyed
> down with 100W, the GFI tripped and my shack computer, power supply,
> etc. shut off.
>
> I'm using Leviton smartlockpro 20A GFCI outlets from Home Depot.
> They're not "cheap", but maybe they don't have adequate RFI protection
> (obviously).
>
> I suppose the first solution is to remove the GFI from the situation,
> but I thought using it was the "right thing to do". Any personal
> anecdotes or advice would be welcome.
>
> Thanks!
> -john W4PAH
> Madison, WI
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