Generic wiring Error Code Ground Fault - Equipment Grounding

What does Ground Fault - Equipment Grounding mean?

Metal chassis or enclosure of an appliance or equipment is at a measurable voltage potential to earth ground, indicating a wiring fault.

Common causes

• Hot wire contacting metal enclosure inside appliance
• Failed appliance internal insulation
• Missing or broken equipment ground wire
• Neutral-ground bond in wrong location (downstream sub-panel)
• Faulty EVSE (EV charger) ground fault

Diagnostic & testing steps

1. 1. With appliance off: measure voltage from chassis to known ground (water pipe, grounded outlet ground slot)
2. 2. More than 5V AC indicates ground fault
3. 3. Check that equipment ground wire is connected at outlet and in appliance cord
4. 4. Test outlet for correct wiring with outlet tester
5. 5. Test appliance at another known-good grounded outlet
6. 6. If voltage present at chassis with 3-prong plug, internal fault in appliance

Tools required

• Multimeter
• Outlet tester
• Non-contact voltage tester

OEM parts & part numbers

Grounding Wire, Outlet (grounded), GFCI Protection

Safety warning

⚠️ ELECTROCUTION HAZARD: Energized chassis can deliver fatal shock, especially in wet environments. Do not touch equipment until ground fault is resolved. Install GFCI protection as immediate temporary mitigation.