Grounding Wire Failsafe in Hotels?

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zesmith37

New User
Location
Flordia
Occupation
Environmental Protection
Hello,
I have a question for experienced electricians in the hospitality field. I have experience in OSHA safety protocols, but my knowledge does not extent into NEC guidelines. I was staying at a hotel in Florida for a project and the hotel unit had a kitchen. It had not been updated for sometime. I was cooking on the coil cooktop and when i went to turn the food with a fork, I was shocked. I imagine it was a problem with the grounding wire. That being said, would there not be failsafe protocols in place to prevent this when the grounding wire becomes faulty? Especially in the hospitality industry. The hotel, an old motel turned hotel, was obviously a bit sketchy but I was frustrated when they refused to reimburse me for the few nights I could not cook in the kitchen. I spoke with the electrician and he confirmed it was a faulty grounding wire. He said it was fixed but that i should always wear shoes when cooking from now on. This is a fairly popular place with lots of families staying here to visit the city, and I am concerned for the safety of other people staying in this hotel. I was thinking if this was against protocol, it should be reported to some agency like the Florida dbpr? Should another failsafe be set in place in hotel units with kitchens? Should I report this? I don't want to take legal action but I want people to be safe. I highly doubt most things here are up to code (especially the elevator and plumping).
 
There is very little enforcement of safety (or anything) in the FL rental industry. Not trying to be extremely negative but the tourist industry (hotels, motels, AB&B's, etc...) in FL doesn't have any real regulation.

With that said, you should report it to someone, I just don't know who.
 
I would write the hotel manager, or if it's a chain, the parent company documenting what happened and your concern and send the letter certified/return receipt. The fear of a future lawsuit might prompt some action.

Later issues of the NEC would require GFCI protection but there is no provision for retroactive,.
 
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