GFCI and an Open Ground
Given: A 120 VAC GFCI supplying power to a 30 AMP RV. The RV has one problem, the 3rd Prong Ground wire at the 30 AMP plug is not making connection. (The RV chassis is floating because there are no ot...
Forum Discussion
Harvard wrote:nebster wrote:
So here's a follow-up question to confirm something I have been presuming for a while:
If the RV is powered via a line+neutral shore cord, with no EGC, and an inline GFI is provided in the shore cord... is a hot chassis event with a human inadvertently providing a low impedance path to earth ground something that the GFI will (should) protect against?
Assuming there are now two faults, one being the floating chassis and the second being the person standing on EARTH being exposed to the 120VAC supply to the RV. Yes, the GFCI would trip.
But if there is only one fault, the open ground (floating chassis), a person receiving the "tingle" while providing the path from the 40VAC CHASSIS to EARTH.
No, I do not think the GFCI would trip.
also, remember that a GFCI will NOT provide 100% protection against electricution. If you are across hot and neutral AND insulated well enought from any ground path, a GFCI won't trip. Example. in the trailer no stab jacks down, dry ground, rubber soled shoes and you get across hot and neutral. Good chance there is not a good enough ground path to cause a GFCI to trip.
Same thing in a house. rubber shoes on dry hardwood or vinyl floor and you get across hot and neutral. good luck.
