ECN Forum Forums Code Related Discussion NEC & other Code issues New GFCIs aren't quite what we thought?

C-H:

By double-pole do you mean that the both the hot and neutral are interrupted?

I know that at least on a newer GFCI that I tested via the "TEST" button, there was no voltage when testing hot to neutral and hot to ground. There was no continuity, testing neutral to ground. Once it was reset, there was voltage hot to neutral and hot to ground, and continuity neutral to ground.

Paul:

Here are some photos of a GFCI receptacle:

The yellow label covers the LOAD screws. (First 2 photos)


The padlock symbol shows that the device meets the new requirements.


Notice it is shipped in the "tripped" mode, requiring correct wiring and pressing the "RESET" button (at least that's what the instructions read...)

[This message has been edited by ThinkGood (edited 07-31-2003).]

Thanks for that.

It looks to me as though the manufacturer/UL-specification has done all that can reasonably be expected and then some. Personally, I would have drawn the line at including instructions which clearly explain which set of terminals to go where for the less technically-minded (e.g. Line=In, Load=Out, in layman's terms).

To have the receptacle dead on application of power to the load terminals would involve extra complexity which seems out of proportion to the problem.

There has to come a point at which we say "That's enough - You are now responsible for correct use of the device."


[This message has been edited by pauluk (edited 08-01-2003).]

Bill,
I assumed the same thing. Sounds like another case of a manufacturers implying that their safety products do more then what they actually do.

ThinkGood,

Yes, exactly. And it sounds like your device is that type too.

If the GFCI trips when miswired, I can't see no way it could supply power.

Ahh, hey, I got an idea. What if the text you quoted should have been: "...but the other receptacles still work" It doesn't take out the breaker, just the receptacles on it's own front.

If you have one of these devices, why don't you simply test reversing polarity?

How about a diode, or maybe a really small "ONE WAY" sign for the electrons?

One way signs only work for DC, you know. With AC you are just gonna get pulsating DC.

I checked this out today. When I reversed line and load the reset button would not "reset". The gfci face was still energized and the indicator light was not lit. The load receptacles were dead. Sound like we've been sold a bill of goods once again.

I'm disappointed. I guess it's an improvement if the downstream loads won't work if it's miswired, I wish the indicator light would be on though.

Bill

Now that really sucks! (pardon the language!).

I was also _ASSUMING_ that the devices would not be live at the Receptacle if Line / Load was mismatched.

Well, better go back and fix all those GFCI Recepts that I hooked up backwards!
<Joke>

Scott35