Ungrounded GFCI

[Steve A. Rinner]

Is an ungrounded GFCI outlet safe?

[Bob Elliott]

Yes it does not need grounding

[Steve A. Rinner]

So if I test with the 3 prong tester and it does not trip when the button is pushed and indicates an open ground, this is not a problem? Even w/in 6 feet of water?

[James H. Bushart]

Originally Posted by srinner

and it does not trip when the button is pushed

This is a problem and is not connected to grounding.

[Steve A. Rinner]

How is this reported?

[James H. Bushart]

GFCI did not trip under test. Recommend that it be replaced by a qualified electrical contractor.

[Bob Elliott]

Steve did it trip with the test button?
If so then it is ok.
The test button I am refering to is the one on the recepticle itself.
Long as the wiring is not reversed it's ok.
This subject has been discussed many times so look at the nrew simular threads feature if itr is working and at the bottom of your screen.

[Steve A. Rinner]

Robert, thanks for the info. My eyes are blurry from reading all the info on GFCI's.

I have one other Q. Is ther an issue if a light is conected to a GFCI outlet? IE: the light goes out when the GFCI is tested?

[Bob Elliott]

Steve as far as I know it may just be a common sense issue as far as you will be in the dark everytime the damn thing trips.
Not good practice

[Speedy Petey]

Robert's point is that a GFI will trip if tested with it's built-in test button, even if it is ungrounded.
It will not trip using a plug-in tester if it is ungrounded since those testers need a real ground for the test button to function.

An ungrounded GFI does not provide a ground. It provides a safer legal ungrounded receptacle.

[Steve A. Rinner]

So, is an ungrounded GFCI outlet near the bathroom sink a safety hazard?

[Bob Elliott]

Steve it is perfectly fine as long as it tripped using the test button on the recepticle .
Speedy was reasserting what I said.
Check some of the old threads on this board.
GFCI will trip when it senses electricity not continuing it's normal path.
If electricity flows through your body it will kill the recepticle .
Regular grounding provides an alternate path for stray electricity.
GFCI with no ground is safer than ground with no GFCI.
Get it now.
Ok to anticipate your next question they do not have GFCI on everything because of cost.
Now do you get it. Good.

[William J. Decker]

Originally Posted by srinner

So, is an ungrounded GFCI outlet near the bathroom sink a safety hazard?

An ungrounded GFCI (properly installed and working and trips from the built in test button) is providing GFCI protection. It is not providing grounding, which is an entirely different type of protection.

I would say, to your question, that any ungrounded receptacle in a house is a safety hazard (given current national electrical safety standards). I know that it may be OK, according to some local codes, but that was not your question.

Remember, local codes are only as good as those who write them and are a bare minimum requirement for the local municipality. It is perfectly possible for a house to meet the current local building codes, yet be unsafe.

Happens all the time around here. Ask the guy who got his neck broke when the pull down stairway (which was only secured with drywall screws, not nails) came loose. He will never walk again. This was new construction and the house had passed all code inspections. When asked, the local building dept said that the stairway was not required to be installed with nails and drywall screws were OK.

But it was not safe.

I always rely on current, national codes and manufacurer's installation instructions, rather than mere local codes.

[Speedy Petey]

Originally Posted by wdecker

I would say, to your question, that any ungrounded receptacle in a house is a safety hazard (given current national electrical safety standards). I know that it may be OK, according to some local codes, but that was not your question.

Given than MOST items in a home only have a two-prong plug, can you elaborate as to why you think this?

[Michael Larson]

Originally Posted by Speedy Petey

Given than MOST items in a home only have a two-prong plug, can you elaborate as to why you think this?

Great point Speedy. Will?