Ground fault over current protection misinformation--is this what I have found?

[ericsarratt]

The thread right above this one has a fairly clear explanation. Its simply worded.

Thanks! I had read it before, but I read it again. It makes more sense now.

 

[ActionDave]

Cool! Thanks!

I've thought about getting the NEC handbook.

North Carolina is on the 2020 NEC. Should I get the 2020 version of the handbook or the 2023?

I would buy an older handbook. Check eBay. Most of the useful commentary doesn't change much between code cycles and it would be less expensive.

 

[kwired]

Yes. The EGC protects people by tripping the breaker before someone gets a shock.

(A GFCI, on the other hand, protects people by tripping after someone gets a shock.)

Well most the time a GFCI trips before someone gets a shock, but certainly is possible depending on circumstances that it doesn't trip until after someone receives a shock.

 

[ptonsparky]

Well most the time a GFCI trips before someone gets a shock, but certainly is possible depending on circumstances that it doesn't trip until after someone receives a shock.

That intact EGC will make the difference.

 

[kwired]

That intact EGC will make the difference.

GFCI also will trip with leakage to earth before any person comes in contact with whatever is happening. Example: the end of an extension cord laying in a puddle of water, even one with EGC pin broken off at supply end.

 

[ptonsparky]

GFCI also will trip with leakage to earth before any person comes in contact with whatever is happening. Example: the end of an extension cord laying in a puddle of water, even one with EGC pin broken off at supply end.

Along with that 250' run to the tank heater...