1500 Smoker keeps popping GFCI Circuit

[brewmaster]

I have a smokinTex 1500 and lately it has been popping the GFCI outlet under my patio. I have used the outlet before and had no problems with it. I tried other GCFI outlets and it does the same thing. I had to revert to putting the smoker on a regular outlet with a heavy duty extension cord so that I could smoke.

Can you give me any ideas where I can start checking the smoker for problems. The power light comes on but when I turn the temperature knob this is when it pops the circuit.

[rparker27]

Had same problem with mine thought it was heating element, when I pulled bacdk off new smoker, white wire from plug was shorting out against terminal box. Reported the problem, design flaw for sure, easy to fix. be sure you use a cable restraint to hold the cable in place so it won't chaffe

[SmokinTex]

BrewMaster,
Thanks for posting your question.
This has come up before and rparker27 is correct in his assessment of where the non-insulated wiring comes into the bottom of the smokers if the insulation is not turned to create a heat barrier between the rear area of the heating elements and the inbound electrical whip it can get too hot for that wire. There is a simple remedy for this and if you wish to call me at our office I will be happy to go over it with you.
However, in the instance of tripping GFCI circuits over the years I have had several opportunities to troubleshoot this issue with customers as more and more circuits are wired for GFCI, especially the outdoor, or patio circuits that most smoker owners have. The Model 1500 when set to max temperature and initially switched on to the 1400 watt setting will draw an 11 amp spike and then runs at approximately 7 to 8 amp load. GFCI circuits can grow weaker over time and trip more easily. I have found in most cases where the smoker is tripping a GFCI circuit but performs normally on a non GFCI circuit that replacing the GFCI outlet on the circuit resolves the issue.
Please contact us if we can assist you further and thanks for buying SmokinTex!

[brewmaster]

I have a smokinTex 1500 and lately it has been popping the GFCI outlet under my patio. I have used the outlet before and had no problems with it. I tried other GCFI outlets and it does the same thing. I had to revert to putting the smoker on a regular outlet with a heavy duty extension cord so that I could smoke.

Can you give me any ideas where I can start checking the smoker for problems. The power light comes on but when I turn the temperature knob this is when it pops the circuit.

Thanks for the help, I will check the white wire insulation and also replace my GFCI Outlet.