Xref: utzoo misc.consumers:4922 misc.consumers.house:2237 sci.electronics:2956
Path: utzoo!attcan!uunet!husc6!spdcc!kaos!blblbl!zonker
From: zonker@blblbl.UUCP (Rugby Wench)
Newsgroups: misc.consumers,misc.consumers.house,sci.electronics
Subject: Re: the truth about GFCI's
Keywords: GFCI outlets on two wire circuits
Message-ID: <517@blblbl.UUCP>
Date: 12 May 88 19:05:54 GMT
References: <2005@hou2d.UUCP>
Distribution: na
Organization: Camp Random, Lexington MA
Lines: 46

First, I was wrong.  NEC Art. 210-8 covers where GFIs are required.
Article 210-7d covers the use of GFIs as replacements on 2 wire circuits.
(and my code book is STILL in my work truck, so I can't quote it for you...)


In article <2005@hou2d.UUCP>, hz1@hou2d.UUCP (H.ZARETSKY) writes:

> Thus, the GFCI WILL protect two wire receptacles down stream.

Obviously, this is only if you hook up the load to the load terminals of
the GFI  (I say this because often the old electricians would splice and
take leads).  These downstream plugs CANNOT be "grounded" to the box.  Nor 
can the GFI, if there is no ground.  This is so that if what SHOULD be the 
grounding conductor becomes live, then it will not become live throughout the
circuit...  


> There are two additional points to be made.
> 1. The receptacle GFCI does have a ground hole for the round pin in a plug
> to access.  This is put there for additional safety, belt and suspenders.

This is put there because GFIs are primarily used on grounded circuits, and
all 125v receptacles installed MUST be of the grounding type, when there 
is a ground available.

> 2. If a GFCI is used with two wire receptacles, only two wire recptacles
> can be used in the other branch circuit locations.  The reason is so that
> the user won't think the additional protection is available when it isn't.
> The exception to the above is naturally if there indeed is a ground 
> connection available in the boxes, but two wire receptacles were originally
> installed because of economic or other considerations.

Most old receptacles, whether they are on grounded or ungrounded circuits,
have only two prongs.  

...
> well folks there it is.  i hope it helps.
> howie z.


And remember to test your GFI monthly.  If you don't then the GFI police will
swoop down on you and invade your home and take you out for public humiliation
and whatnot...

--Regis M. Donovan
  dOnOvAn eLeCtRiC sErViCe