GFCI outlet tripping

I have a 20 amp circuit in my detached garage with one 20 amp gfci, one 20 amp outlet and five 15 amp outlets on it.

I have a window ac unit that’s rated for 120 volts, 15 amp outlet plus surround sound plugged into the outlets on this circuit. The window ac is plugged into a single receptacle 20 amp outlet. When I turn it on, I trip the gfci outlet but not the breaker. I’ve replaced the outlet the ac unit is on as well as changed the gfci from a 15 to 20 amp outlet. The other 2 circuits in the garage are 20 amp as well and have gfci outlets on them.

Do I need a gfci on the circuit for the ac unit? I can’t figure out why I keep tripping it unless I have a loose connection somewhere (I did change one 15 amp outlet out for a 15 amp plus USB outlet). Can I just install a 20 amp receptacle where the gfci is and be okay or should I have the gfci there? Why am I tripping it if so?

 

maybe ask this question here: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/ken-the-electrical-guy-q-n-a.632969/

 

Did you change the GFCI or any of the wiring?

 

GFCI plugs don't like heavy inrush loads. The compressor is loading up the plug and tripping it.

 

I changed the gfci from a 15 amp to 20 amp.

 

Possibly? But not necessarily the problem here?

 

That’s what I thought but since it’s rated for a 15 amp plug, I’m just not sure why it’s tripping.

I can hear it starting up and within 5 seconds it trips

 

Did you pay close attention to where the HOT's and Neutrals go back on the GFCI. You can't arbitrarily place them back. They must go on a certain screw. Power hot and neutral on the LINE side. Load hot and neutral on the LOAD side. You can verify the operation by running an electric drill or power saw on the receptacle in question.

 

I made sure the line and load were correct. I have an outlet tester to confirm that

 

Not what I'm talking about. Run a drill or hair dryer on the outlet your having trouble with. If it still trips. you have your hots and / or neutrals reversed. A tester will not show you what I'm looking for.

 

Gotcha. I’ll try that now

 

Sounds like the AC is the only thing that trips it, and you've already tried 2 GFCIs right?
Did it previously work and only recently start tripping, or has it always tripped?
Is the AC new or old?
Have you gotten as much rain the last week as we have?

 

Ac unit ran for 2 minutes and tripped. Hair dryer didn’t trip (been running for 7 minutes)

 

Brand new ac unit. There was an old one I removed that was on another separate circuit but the cord for the new one won’t reach that outlet. Haven’t had much rain lately (Nashville, TN area)

 

OK so sounds like the circuit is good.

I agree with above. Has this worked in the past?

 

Some days it’ll work great for 2 hours. Another day it’ll trip within 30 seconds

 

Something the GFCI doesn't like. I would not suggest removing the GFCI. Worst case, buy an appliance extension cord and go back to the old outlet.

 

Is this an older house?

 

Detached garage built in 1996

 

I’ll buy one and give it a go