An example of my pilot light-switch arrangement, just below console height.
How to hook up multiple washers in one room
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Hi Ronan,
The problem we have in this country is that people assume that a GFCI circuit = safety, so these units get installed everywhere. All the while not realizing most units from the box store are of off-shore quality and are of little value to equipment that has a ground conductor. Will they work when you need them (when you end up as part of the circuit)? Will they nuissance trip? Will they catch fire?
To make matters worse, the inexpensive variety are only rated at 15 amps, and they get put on 12ga 20 amp circuits, or slipped into the head of parallel branch outlets. The breaker never gets changed and now the downstream "protection" limit is reduced. Little stickers are provided so that branch outlets can be marked, but that almost never happens.
When it comes to permanent and semi-permanent equipment, a secure ground eliminates any risk of electrical shock while a GFCI can only detect a current imbalance and act accordingly (if it works at all). One need never worry when three Maytags go into spin if they're exceeding the protection limit, or if future protection has been compromised. Plus, one needn't worry about protection being compromised due to a lightning strike or power surge which can affect the semiconductor sensing circuits.
Hi Ronan,
The problem we have in this country is that people assume that a GFCI circuit = safety, so these units get installed everywhere. All the while not realizing most units from the box store are of off-shore quality and are of little value to equipment that has a ground conductor. Will they work when you need them (when you end up as part of the circuit)? Will they nuissance trip? Will they catch fire?
To make matters worse, the inexpensive variety are only rated at 15 amps, and they get put on 12ga 20 amp circuits, or slipped into the head of parallel branch outlets. The breaker never gets changed and now the downstream "protection" limit is reduced. Little stickers are provided so that branch outlets can be marked, but that almost never happens.
When it comes to permanent and semi-permanent equipment, a secure ground eliminates any risk of electrical shock while a GFCI can only detect a current imbalance and act accordingly (if it works at all). One need never worry when three Maytags go into spin if they're exceeding the protection limit, or if future protection has been compromised. Plus, one needn't worry about protection being compromised due to a lightning strike or power surge which can affect the semiconductor sensing circuits.
It's done differently here.
In older installations there's a 63amp RCD (GFCI) connected to all the MCB (miniature circuit breakers) feeding the socket outlets and also water heating appliances.
In newer installations, there's often now an RCBO (combined GFCI and breaker module) on each individual circuit on the panel.
I really haven't ever found nuisance tripping a problem. A wet iron, coffee maker, kettle etc can do it though.
In older installations there's a 63amp RCD (GFCI) connected to all the MCB (miniature circuit breakers) feeding the socket outlets and also water heating appliances.
In newer installations, there's often now an RCBO (combined GFCI and breaker module) on each individual circuit on the panel.
I really haven't ever found nuisance tripping a problem. A wet iron, coffee maker, kettle etc can do it though.
GFIs
I very much agree with Cory, you do not need GFIs on non portable appliances that have three wire cords. While they may not cause that much trouble on washers and DWs they should NEVER BE USED ON REFRIGERATORS AND FREEZERS, unless you don't mind the possibility of coming home from a weekend away from home to find your refrigerator has been off for two days.
Refrigerators, freezers automatic washers and DWs are a likely appliances for causing nuisance tips, when no hazard to the user or appliance or home exists.
I very much agree with Cory, you do not need GFIs on non portable appliances that have three wire cords. While they may not cause that much trouble on washers and DWs they should NEVER BE USED ON REFRIGERATORS AND FREEZERS, unless you don't mind the possibility of coming home from a weekend away from home to find your refrigerator has been off for two days.
Refrigerators, freezers automatic washers and DWs are a likely appliances for causing nuisance tips, when no hazard to the user or appliance or home exists.
John ain't kidding......
in my new home, theres an alcove for the freezer.....and they installed a GFI...never gave it much thought, until, one time the power went out, and later came back on, I didn't pay attention that the freezer's tiny light was not on, and the 'warm temp' buzzer did not go off, only because it operates when it has power, and it 'reset' to 'off' if it is unplugged or looses power.......
needless to say, I opened the door one day to a landslide of food....all thawed out!....
since then I changed this to a regular outlet...not to mention this outlet is located behind a standup freezer......
brilliant minds at work!
in my new home, theres an alcove for the freezer.....and they installed a GFI...never gave it much thought, until, one time the power went out, and later came back on, I didn't pay attention that the freezer's tiny light was not on, and the 'warm temp' buzzer did not go off, only because it operates when it has power, and it 'reset' to 'off' if it is unplugged or looses power.......
needless to say, I opened the door one day to a landslide of food....all thawed out!....
since then I changed this to a regular outlet...not to mention this outlet is located behind a standup freezer......
brilliant minds at work!
