gfi outlet with a non grounded device

mwood · 04/11/2006, 06:33 PM

I'm putting in a float switch and want to put it on a gfi, but am curious if the fact that the float switch is not grounded would defeat the purpose of the gfi.

Fast Fred · 04/11/2006, 07:16 PM

No, it will not defeat the purpose of the GFCI. GFCI's don't need to have an Earth ground to work. Good example: Most ladies hair dryers have 2-prong cords. They are still protected when plugged into a GFCI outlet.

A GFCI works by measuring the electricity going out through the black (hot) and comparing it to the amount coming back through it on the white (neutral). When there is a difference that exceeds it's preset limits, it trips. The idea being that if not enough is comig back on the neutral, it must be going elsewhere - maybe through YOU! So it trips out.

mwood · 04/11/2006, 07:55 PM

Thanks

Fast Fred · 04/11/2006, 10:01 PM

You're very welcome! Be safe.

04/11/2006, 06:33 PM	#1
mwood Premium Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Winterset, IA 50273 Posts: 2,299	gfi outlet with a non grounded device I'm putting in a float switch and want to put it on a gfi, but am curious if the fact that the float switch is not grounded would defeat the purpose of the gfi.

04/11/2006, 07:16 PM	#2
Fast Fred Registered Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Northfield, NJ 08225 Posts: 1,170	No, it will not defeat the purpose of the GFCI. GFCI's don't need to have an Earth ground to work. Good example: Most ladies hair dryers have 2-prong cords. They are still protected when plugged into a GFCI outlet. A GFCI works by measuring the electricity going out through the black (hot) and comparing it to the amount coming back through it on the white (neutral). When there is a difference that exceeds it's preset limits, it trips. The idea being that if not enough is comig back on the neutral, it must be going elsewhere - maybe through YOU! So it trips out. __________________ Ya know, for a clown fish, you're not very funny! Member of the New Jersey Reefers Club Current Tank Info: 125g Reef Ready AGA /55g Top Fin Tank for a sump/refugium/ LifeReef Skimmer/ Changing over to SPS only

04/11/2006, 10:01 PM	#4
Fast Fred Registered Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Northfield, NJ 08225 Posts: 1,170	You're very welcome! Be safe. __________________ Ya know, for a clown fish, you're not very funny! Member of the New Jersey Reefers Club Current Tank Info: 125g Reef Ready AGA /55g Top Fin Tank for a sump/refugium/ LifeReef Skimmer/ Changing over to SPS only

04/11/2006, 07:55 PM	#3
mwood Premium Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Winterset, IA 50273 Posts: 2,299	Thanks