To GFCI or Not to GFCI?

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To GFCI or Not to GFCI?

Postby DigitalMCO on Sun Jul 07, 2013 6:02 pm

Up until now my controllers have been plugged into the regular 15 amp service in my garage. Now I've run a 20 amp service specifically for my controllers. (My table saw will also get to use it as well.) Anyway code doesn't call for GFCI's in the garage BUT seeing as there's a water faucet for my garden hose nearby I figured I might want to add a GFCI just to be on the safe side.

Has anyone experienced any trip issues with their setup while attached to a GFCI?
Ron R.

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Re: To GFCI or Not to GFCI?

Postby JVC8230 on Sun Jul 07, 2013 6:32 pm

How far away??
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Re: To GFCI or Not to GFCI?

Postby Troy on Sun Jul 07, 2013 6:51 pm

Roll the dice and live dangerously.
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Re: To GFCI or Not to GFCI?

Postby TacomaJoe on Sun Jul 07, 2013 7:22 pm

A GFCI is always a good idea but signal equipment is notorious for tripping them. Safer if it works. I say give it a try.
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Re: To GFCI or Not to GFCI?

Postby Macsignals on Sun Jul 07, 2013 7:44 pm

I know here in the US you typically need a GFCI for a garage, guess its different in the CEC. So long as the neutrals and grounds are all separated and there's no other wiring issues they should be fine, I run all of mine on GFCI's. DO NOT buy bargain-brand GFCI's, more often then not people despise the concept of one because all they've dealt with are cheapos from the supply house or Horror Freight that trip if you look at them funny.

My NYC Eagle cabinet needed the neutral isolated from the cabinet and the noise suppression filter removed before the GFCI in my garage would let it run without letting out a loud POP.
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Re: To GFCI or Not to GFCI?

Postby TacomaJoe on Sun Jul 07, 2013 11:44 pm

GFCI basics: They monitor the current in the hot and compare it to the current in the neutral. If the two aren't the same, they figure the missing current is flowing through you. They only need the two wires, which makes them handy in the real old houses that don't have a grounding conductor.

As noted, filters leak to the ground terminal and the GFCI thinks you are being electrocuted. Don't blame the filter, they are built that way with a capacitor between the hot and ground to filter out RFI.
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Re: To GFCI or Not to GFCI?

Postby LarryC39 on Sat Jul 20, 2013 8:16 pm

I've never bothered with them. YMMV
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