GFCI quesitons

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fletcher

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Detroit Michigan
I am a home inspector who was an apprentice electrician for a couple years many years ago. So, I am no expert. That is why I come here!

Questions on GFCIs

1. It is my understanding that a GFCI does not have to be grounded to work because the device inside monitors the balance between the hot and neutral and when it falls out of balance between about 3-5 milli-amps, it trips. Is this correct?


2. Do I remember correctly or not? Don't GFCI plugs come with (or used to come with) stickers inside them that say, "this receptical ungrounded" and you were supposed to stick it on the device where there was no ground present.

3. It is my understanding that ungrounded 3 prong plugs/devices can be placed down-current of a GFCI plug and it meets NEC. Is this correct or not?

4. In reference to question 3 above, Is there a limit to the number of ungrounded 3 prong plugs you can place down-current of the GFCI plug?
 
fletcher said:
1. It is my understanding that a GFCI does not have to be grounded to work because the device inside monitors the balance between the hot and neutral and when it falls out of balance between about 3-5 milli-amps, it trips. Is this correct?
Click to expand...

Correct, a GFCI does not need to be grounded to work.


2. Do I remember correctly or not? Don't GFCI plugs come with (or used to come with) stickers inside them that say, "this receptical ungrounded" and you were supposed to stick it on the device where there was no ground present.
Click to expand...

I remember they had stickers that said GFCI protected receptacle. I don't remember them saying this recepatcle is ungrounded.

3. It is my understanding that ungrounded 3 prong plugs/devices can be placed down-current of a GFCI plug and it meets NEC. Is this correct or not?
Click to expand...

Yes, this is correct

4. In reference to question 3 above, Is there a limit to the number of ungrounded 3 prong plugs you can place down-current of the GFCI plug?
Click to expand...

No limit

I would advise reading article 406.3(D)
 
1. Yes that is correct.
2. The sticker is supposed to say "No Equipment Ground", but I've yet to purchase a gfci that comes with these stickers.
3. Yes that is correct.
4. There is no specific limit in the code for residential.
 
Most people have never seen the stickers because they don't LOOK at them since the generally don't need them.

LOOK at the ones that come with P&S:

GFIstickers.jpg
 
480sparky said:
Most people have never seen the stickers because they don't LOOK at them since the generally don't need them.

LOOK at the ones that come with P&S:

GFIstickers.jpg
Click to expand...


Are the different languages for the person installing them or the person reading them in the future? ;) :grin: On a serious note, does it meet code if I cant read it?
 
stickboy1375 said:
Are the different languages for the person installing them or the person reading them in the future? ;) :grin: On a serious note, does it meet code if I cant read it?
Click to expand...

More likely because they are also sold in Canada (French) and Mexico (Spanish).
 
brantmacga said:
2. The sticker is supposed to say "No Equipment Ground", but I've yet to purchase a gfci that comes with these stickers.
Click to expand...


Oh i am completely blind!

I just went and pulled a P&S GFCI and still didn't see it. I looked again and there it was!

In my defense, :D, I haven't used the P&S much. The leviton's do not come with this sticker. They just have blue stickers that say "gfci protected outlet".
 
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I remember GFCI's with the no equipment ground stickers. But I haven't noticed them in awhile. Maybe we don't notice them anymore, maybe some manu's phased them out?
 
fletcher said:
3. It is my understanding that ungrounded 3 prong plugs/devices can be placed down-current of a GFCI plug and it meets NEC. Is this correct or not?
Click to expand...
While you are permitted to install the 3 wire receptacle, you may not be permitted to use it. Take a look at 250.114. Anything in that list is required to be connected to a receptacle that has an equipment grounding conductor.
 
brantmacga said:
Oh i am completely blind!

I just went and pulled a P&S GFCI and still didn't see it. I looked again and there it was!

In my defense, :D, I haven't used the P&S much. The leviton's do not come with this sticker. They just have blue stickers that say "gfci protected outlet".
Click to expand...


Look Again......

The Levitons that i use 7599 come with the "no ground stickers"
 
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