I have a debate over the effectiveness and order of plugging tools into an extension cord into a GFCI pigtail and into a portable generator. The argument questions the scientific necessity (Safety) and order of plugging the GFCI pigtail into the generator before the extension cord vs plugging the extension cord into a generator and then the pigtail, followed by any tools. The argument centers around a worker having to travel an extra 100' to reset a tripped GFCI at the 'source' while using an extension cord or merely traveling the distance of the tool cord into the pigtail which is plugged into the extension cord at the user (female) end. Does it matter where, in the temporary electrical supply chain, the GFCI is plugged in as long as it is between the source and the tool? Is the worker still protected?
GFCI Pigtails
- Thread starter Pavlovsky
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- Massachusetts
I believe OSHA expects the GFCI to be at the front end to protect people from a bad extension cord.
Besides, having to walk an extra 100' to reset a GFCI isn't what most would consider hazardous.
I am not debating OSHA; I am not an electrical pundit either. My question is whether the GFCI will still protect the worker? I understand the issue of having an unprotected cord; we don't allow it, but the question was raised nevertheless. Thankyou!
As long as the worker plugs in to the GFI, yes it would. But there's still an unprotected cord laying nearby the worker.
Thankyou! Yes the cord would still be unprotected--it was a theoretical argument only. I wouldn't wish to be Super Dave and test the science.
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