Electric Grill Trips

D

DGRETZ

New Member
Apr 25, 2010
7
Annapolis
Boat Info
310 Sundancer
Engines
Twin Mercruiser 350 Mags
I have a 2008 310 Sundancer with the built-in electric grill. Wondering if anyone else is having the following issue... On shore power the grill works just fine. However, when operating it off the generator, the grill will run for several minutes before tripping at the outlet where the grill plugs in (located beneath the grill in the line locker). It does not trip the entire circuit. Just the grill itself is tripping.

It's basically useless when operating it off the generator. I have everything else shut down when using the grill, so I'm not overloading the genny. Also, I am able to run the AC, Microwave, and other appliance off the generator just fine. I'm using a 5.0 KW Kohler generator that was installed by Searay.

Any thoughts?
 
It almost seems like it trips when the device gets to a certain temp (and therefore probably drawing more current). From a cold start it will run for 10 minutes. But as soon as it trips, even after a reset it will start up and trip almost immediately. Have you addressed with Searay?
 
This happened to us with an electric kettle. Replace the kettle and the problem went away. I figured the kettle drew too much current. If you have an AMP meter on your generator look at it when you start the grill and watch it until it trips. That should tell you if you are drawing too much power.
 
That sounds like ground fault trip, if tripping at the outlet... is this a GFI receptacle with the Test/Reset buttons?
 
Thanks all for the comments. I will monitor the generator next time. Attached is a pic of the grill that searay uses on this boat. As you can see, the GFI (with test/reset buttons) is actually built into the cord. This is what is actually tripping.
 

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One other data point to this issue and wondering if the following can be related to the grill. I have a fuse that blows as soon as I turn my batteries on. It is a 5 amp fuse, located in the block that sits beneath the console. The fuse is in location #10, which is marked 'accessory'. Interestingly, with the fuse blown there is NOTHING on the boat that does not work. I've been running the boat for 2 summers with no issues - literally every light, electronics, etc works with the fuse blown. Searay tells me this block is only used for electronics. That said, I'm wondering if the #10 fuse in the console can somehow be related to the grill tripping the GFCI. I think not, but wanted to hear what everyone else thinks.
 
I don't think the 5A fuse has anything to do with your grill... but curious why it blows.

I'm surprised that they would leave the GFI equipped cord on the grill... you boat is already protected with the use of GFI receptacles. Most GFI safety devices look for small amounts of current differences between the neutral and hot wires. Generators typically don't have grounded neutrals like the shore power will have.

Some may disagree, but I would simply eliminate the GFI protector from the grill.

my $0.02
 
JimG said:
I don't think the 5A fuse has anything to do with your grill... but curious why it blows.

I'm surprised that they would leave the GFI equipped cord on the grill... you boat is already protected with the use of GFI receptacles. Most GFI safety devices look for small amounts of current differences between the neutral and hot wires. Generators typically don't have grounded neutrals like the shore power will have.

Some may disagree, but I would simply eliminate the GFI protector from the grill.

my $0.02
Click to expand...

You should not remove this module (includes GFI) from the grill. It used as part of the initial calibration program when first turning on the grill which makes the grill turn off after initial calibration.
 
tbirdvet said:
You should not remove this module (includes GFI) from the grill. It used as part of the initial calibration program when first turning on the grill which makes the grill turn off after initial calibration.
Click to expand...
Going to need a better explanation on this one... is it computer controlled :huh:
Looks like a standard in-line GFI to me, duplicated by the GFI receptacle it's plugged into.

If it works out, the best solution is pointed out in the link Birdog posted.
 
You need to read the manual if you have it. The way this grill works is that after it has been turned off (and no AC applied to the circuit) it needs to redo its calibration once power is supplied again. do this:
Turn on the grill, the grill then does a calibration program and shuts itself off. Then if you turn it back on it should stay on. However, it will shut off automatically anywhere from 60-90 minutes of use. This is the safety feature. I guess they assume you are done cooking by then. If not you need to start up the grill again. If this does not work your unit may be defective
 
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We have never had any issues running the Kenyon grill, while under generator power. However, we have learned to "NOT" run the microwave at the same time, or else the circuits on the main panel get tripped.
 
I had that problem when I took delivery of the boat. The dealer replaced the grill and never had a problem since over 3 seasons.
 
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