STUPID GFCI!

GFCI have a finite amount of trip-cycles built into them. One that trips or has tripped frequently (for whatever reason) is more prone to trip later. Sometimes replacing (or having replaced) the sensitive GFCI outlet with a fresh one will remedy this type of issue. Disclaimer...I am NOT an electrician, just a longtime homeowner who has had, and remedied this type of thing with a new GFCI after determining there was no actual ground-fault error causing the issue.

You can buy outlets that are GCI and regular to fit a dual box. Just change the receptacle and plug the freezer into the non GCI side. 

GFCI's often do not work well with reactive loads such as motors. This is a common issue. I would replace it with a standard outlet and maybe put the GFCI in a plastic bag and hang it from the screw on the outlet cover to remind yourself that it has been replaced in order to return it to service if you move away. If a GFCI remains in the circuit you will more than likely eventually thaw everything in the freezer when it trips and you don't notice it. The only other thing I could suggest is to put a low wattage bulb or LED into the plug to let you know it is energized.

I have a question. How old is the freezer? Also is this the only item on the circcircuit?

I personally wouldn't advise swapping a regular GFCI with a standard because of a ground fault. Take that information and ask what is going on with this. It's tripping for a reason. Now, that's not to say when the compressor starts that an unbalance is detected and trips.

I would replace the GFCI first and see if that helps. If still trtripping something is not right with your appliance. Also, ensure the electrician uses the posts of the outlet instead of the push terminals.

Please be careful.

What else do you use that receptacle for? If you are also using it to run your shop vac in wet conditions, or a hair dryer near a bathtub, you may want to keep the GFCI. If not, replace with standard. Since its in the garage I'm guessing power tools in wet conditions may be a possibility.

How many outlets are on that circuit?  Where are they located and what do they service?  If it's in the garage, there are probably other outlets on that same circuit that the GFCI serves to protect ... one GFCI protects the entire circuit. Don't change out the GFCI with a standard outlet unless that is the only outlet on that circuit, otherwise you loose protection for the rest of the outlets.

The garage door outlet might also be protected by a GFCI unit somewhere else in its circuit ... it is in my house.  If you can prove that, then you know that the freezer isn't the culprit.  It probably is a weak GFCI unit.  Wally World has a GFCI tester for about $8.

I agree with @SGH, the chances of a freezer zapping you is pretty low, so keeping it plugged into the garage door outlet is a reasonable risk.

Jeepster47 said:

How many outlets are on that circuit?  Where are they located and what do they service?  If it's in the garage, there are probably other outlets on that same circuit that the GFCI serves to protect ... one GFCI protects the entire circuit. Don't change out the GFCI with a standard outlet unless that is the only outlet on that circuit, otherwise you loose protection for the rest of the outlets.

The garage door outlet might also be protected by a GFCI unit somewhere else in its circuit ... it is in my house.  If you can prove that, then you know that the freezer isn't the culprit.  It probably is a weak GFCI unit.  Wally World has a GFCI tester for about $8.

I agree with @SGH, the chances of a freezer zapping you is pretty low, so keeping it plugged into the garage door outlet is a reasonable risk.

Good point, what else is on that circuit, not just that recep?

apinion said:

... I believe its the only thing on the circuit. ...

After the tornado, I decided to install a transfer switch to get emergency generator power into the house.  In the past, drop cords and a quick rewire of the furnace was the MO.  But, if I was AWOL, that left my wife helpless.  To install the switch intelligently, I needed to know what each circuit serviced.  Took about four hours, but I was able to associate every outlet, switch and light with a circuit.

I had major trouble figuring out one outlet.  It's on the back of the house on the deck and it is connected to the wall outlets in the garage - 30 feet away - and to the yard light in the front yard - another 30 feet away.  When you see it on paper it makes sense, but it's not intuitive ... so, do check carefully that that's the only outlet on that circuit.

If it is the only thing on the circuit, and the only thing you use that recep for, I would replace it with a standard recep and plug the unused plug with one of those plastic child safety thingies.

I'm an Electrician. Usually the outlets in the Garage, outside, and sometimes the bathroom are all on the same circuit. If that is the case, do not replace the GFCI outlet with a regular outlet. If you do then all of the outlets on that circuit will not be protected. If something happens, you or someone else gets hurt and the Insurance company can prove you removed the GFCI your claim will be denied.

the 2008 version of NEC required these in garages:

tcracing said:

I'm an Electrician. Usually the outlets in the Garage, outside, and sometimes the bathroom are all on the same circuit. If that is the case, do not replace the GFCI outlet with a regular outlet. If you do then all of the outlets on that circuit will not be protected. If something happens, you or someone else gets hurt and the Insurance company can prove you removed the GFCI your claim will be denied.

Unless he is plugged into the first outlet in the series.

If that is the case, all the OP has to do is re place the one that the freezer os plugged into with a normal outlet. AND THEN, find the next one downstream in the series and install the GFCI there. That way every other outlet is protected.