re: Ballast grounding & GFIs

[Rod Hanks <rhanks at benchbuilt_com>]

> The GFI will NOT protect you under the following conditions(just a
> sample):
>         -Contacting both the 'line' and 'neutral' conductors.
>         -Contacting the output of a ballast or transformer (since they
> isolate)
>
This sounds good but I don't think it can be good.  Once when I
was troubleshooting a homebuilt florescent light hood that used
an IceCap ballast I came in contact with the wrong parts of the
bulb end.  I was miles from the current ballast, and contacted
only its output I am positive.

The sensation was not pleasant, but there were three GFCI
units in series between me and the main circuit breaker.  All
three of them blew.  I was fortunately not injured.

I don't understand how GFCI's work, but I won't touch a circuit
that doesn't include one.  And there probably ARE some
conditions under which they won't protect me.  But I still
don't know what they are.

Thanks,
Rod

---

• Prev by Date: Re: Aquatic Plants Digest V4 #27
• Next by Date: Re: CO2 system with/without pH controller
• Prev by thread: Ballast grounding & GFIs
• Next by thread: Looking for Glossostigma...
• Index(es):
  • Date
  • Thread