SeaMac
Senior Member
I'm posting this thread due to a genuine concern of mine, one which could be extremely hazardous and potentially life threatening. Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters, commonly referred to by us Electricians as GFI's, Giffy's etc. Most know them as the receptacle with the two little buttons, one says test the other reset and the paperwork that comes with them says test monthly.
Pursuant to the NFPA who writes the National Electrical Code (NEC) and OSHA any and all jobsites that use electricity must have GFCI protected circuits for temporary construction use. My current concern is the use of small portable generators used on Pipe Crews, these are primarily used to power drills, rotary hammers and impact wrenches. I'm sure they exist but as of yet I haven't seen a small (1kw - 2kw) portable generator with GFCI receptacles, so what to do? You have two options, you can purchase a standalone GFCI pigtail or an extension cord with a built-in GFCI.
Failure to protect yourself from electrical shock is no laughing matter, it takes less than half an amp to stop a healthy heart and most corded drills have a much larger electrical load than half an amp. Should you be drilling DIP or C900 to tap a saddle for a water service you could be standing in water yourself, if that drill slips and lands in the water you might find the experience a shocking one. Yes, I know the generator has a circuit breaker of its own but the principal that makes a GFCI work has a much faster response time in opening the faulted circuit than a basic thermal/over current circuit breaker.
Please don't try this at home but the theory behind a GFCI aims to do this. Say you're taking a bath and you've figured you could blow dry your hair at the same time -trust me it has happened, people can be idiots at times- if your blow dryer is connected to a basic thermal/overcurrent protected circuit and falls in the tub you WILL die. If that same blow dryer is connected to a GFCI protected circuit the bathroom lights will most assuredly go dark but you will survive another day.
Don't play with electricity it doesn't care who you are, who you know, how smart you are or how much money you have all it knows is, you are the quickest path to ground. Please, don't be the quickest path to ground, it hurts!
While I'm on the subject of electrical safety I'll add the following;
Extension cords, drop cords whatever you call 'em, they have to have a ground to work properly -refer to, don't BE the path to ground- I can't begin to tell you how many cords I come across that have no ground prong. By law in Florida as the Electrical Contractor of record on a jobsite I am obligated and mandated to inform you that it must be properly fixed and or offer to fix it for you. If you fail to do so I am legally allowed cut your cord to pieces and discard it, I don't do so to be an A-hole, but you are probably connected to a temporary electrical service under my permit and I am liable. Nothing personal other than I would rather you be pissed at me but also be able to go home, kiss your Wife hello and play with your kids.
One more thing about extension cords, flat cords are strictly forbidden on any jobsite. They are generally constructed without insulation on the individual conductors whereas a round (approved) cord is. You lay that flat cord down on something that could puncture the jacket then step on it and you are in for a surprise, the best thing being it only blew a hole in the sole of your boots.
When it comes to electricity, always think smart and be safe. If an employer refuses to provide GFCI protection and proper extension cords, make note of it and take pictures if applicable then call OSHA and report them. OSHA takes such matters VERY seriously, one of the few matters I know of where they will show up unannounced.
Be Safe!
Pursuant to the NFPA who writes the National Electrical Code (NEC) and OSHA any and all jobsites that use electricity must have GFCI protected circuits for temporary construction use. My current concern is the use of small portable generators used on Pipe Crews, these are primarily used to power drills, rotary hammers and impact wrenches. I'm sure they exist but as of yet I haven't seen a small (1kw - 2kw) portable generator with GFCI receptacles, so what to do? You have two options, you can purchase a standalone GFCI pigtail or an extension cord with a built-in GFCI.
Failure to protect yourself from electrical shock is no laughing matter, it takes less than half an amp to stop a healthy heart and most corded drills have a much larger electrical load than half an amp. Should you be drilling DIP or C900 to tap a saddle for a water service you could be standing in water yourself, if that drill slips and lands in the water you might find the experience a shocking one. Yes, I know the generator has a circuit breaker of its own but the principal that makes a GFCI work has a much faster response time in opening the faulted circuit than a basic thermal/over current circuit breaker.
Please don't try this at home but the theory behind a GFCI aims to do this. Say you're taking a bath and you've figured you could blow dry your hair at the same time -trust me it has happened, people can be idiots at times- if your blow dryer is connected to a basic thermal/overcurrent protected circuit and falls in the tub you WILL die. If that same blow dryer is connected to a GFCI protected circuit the bathroom lights will most assuredly go dark but you will survive another day.
Don't play with electricity it doesn't care who you are, who you know, how smart you are or how much money you have all it knows is, you are the quickest path to ground. Please, don't be the quickest path to ground, it hurts!
While I'm on the subject of electrical safety I'll add the following;
Extension cords, drop cords whatever you call 'em, they have to have a ground to work properly -refer to, don't BE the path to ground- I can't begin to tell you how many cords I come across that have no ground prong. By law in Florida as the Electrical Contractor of record on a jobsite I am obligated and mandated to inform you that it must be properly fixed and or offer to fix it for you. If you fail to do so I am legally allowed cut your cord to pieces and discard it, I don't do so to be an A-hole, but you are probably connected to a temporary electrical service under my permit and I am liable. Nothing personal other than I would rather you be pissed at me but also be able to go home, kiss your Wife hello and play with your kids.
One more thing about extension cords, flat cords are strictly forbidden on any jobsite. They are generally constructed without insulation on the individual conductors whereas a round (approved) cord is. You lay that flat cord down on something that could puncture the jacket then step on it and you are in for a surprise, the best thing being it only blew a hole in the sole of your boots.
When it comes to electricity, always think smart and be safe. If an employer refuses to provide GFCI protection and proper extension cords, make note of it and take pictures if applicable then call OSHA and report them. OSHA takes such matters VERY seriously, one of the few matters I know of where they will show up unannounced.
Be Safe!
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