ECN Forum Forums Code Related Discussion NEC & other Code issues Appliances Incompatible with GFCIs ?

Bill, were the urns fitted with equipment-grounding cords? In some cases metal-sheathed, mineral-filled, 'cal-rod' heaters are particularly maddening leakage wise. If there’s no grounding included in the line cord, then humans sometimes get to complete the circuit. Until a GFCI trips, the ground current can be uncomfortable for some.


[This message has been edited by Bjarney (edited 05-22-2002).]

Bjarney,

Yes, the urns had 3 prong plugs on them and they were pretty new looking. I was wondering if there might be a Ground to Neutral connection inside, but did not have any test equipment on hand.

Bill

IIRC, cold "cal-rod" heaters can absorb moisture around their electrical terminals, and, until heatup, can be quite "leaky," GFCI-wise.

Bill,

Now I remember the "cal rod heaters" reply from my post some time ago.

From what I've read from Bjarney's post it's very possible some appliances are not "compatible".

Staying with NEC Article 525, an electrical inspector would actually have to be there at the job site making the decision. Or, as I think we can agree on, the electrician doing the job should provide GFCI protection and hope all goes well.

Frank