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In Reply to: RE: I am just quoting the NEC........... posted by Cut-Throat on June 25, 2009 at 11:37:01

I'm not aware that the NEC advises the use of a cheater plug. I believe the 2 prong appliances, refer to an appliance with a double insulated case, which are the only appliances than can be legally manufactured with a 2 prong plug. Of course it has been several years since I've studied the NEC code book, and things could have changed.

When you state "If any voltage leaked to the chassis, the GFCI trips immediately" is not accurate. If the chassis is not grounded, and it won't be without a grounding conductor, the chassis is energized at that voltage (could be several hundred volts). This voltage just stays there until provided with a path to ground. If you touch the energized chassis, your body then becomes the path to ground, and hopefully the GFCI trips immediately.

I really don't want to be argumentative, and I will agree that what you are doing is reasonably safe, IF the GFCI functions properly (even though there have been documented cases of 6ma being fatal). In the apprenticeship program we were taught that GFCIs were not absolutely safe (of course nothing is), but the grounding conductor should never be lifted.

Maybe I'm just too careful, but I prefer birth control and an "overcoat". Besides I like the idea that with a grounding conductor you have the preventative safety feature as well.

I also think that any piece of equipment that generates a ground loop isn't properly designed, and it is best to address that, rather than putting a band aid on it. I also suspect that the sonics might be improved with better grounding practices, and the lower noise floor that usually comes with it.

I'm not saying that what you are doing won't work, or that it is horrendously unsafe, but that it is not best practice, from either a safety or sonics point of view. I think the best approach would be to fix the ground loop. The cheater plug and GFCI is however an easy and effective "fix", but should only be used as a last resort. What really worries me is, I've seen some recommend lifting the ground, and don't even mention a GFCI, to your credit, you are not guilty of that.

twystd

Follow Ups:

Here is the exact quote, which I posted above.......... - Cut-Throat 14:17:34 06/25/09 (1)
Replacing Receptacles to Meet the NEC

"A grounding-type receptacle that is GFCI protected without an equipment grounding conductor is a SAFER installation than a grounding-type receptacle with an equipment grounding conductor (if GFCI protection is not provided). This is because the GFCI protection device will clear a ground-fault when the fault-current is 5 milliamperes (+ or – 1 milliampere), which is less than the current level necessary to cause serious electric shock or electrocution"

Cut-Throat
- RE: Here is the exact quote, which I posted above.......... - hennfarm 19:29:37 06/25/09 (0)
  GFCIs just give electricians something to do.

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