GFCI on wet power tools.....

Chefwong · Jan 27, 2012

Built in GFCI on my electric PW is acting up .

I'll need to read-up on GFCI.........but dare I just cut the damm plug off and put a regular plug on.

JWelectric · Jan 27, 2012

No!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sponsor · 2022-01-29T12:20:58-0800

Cacher_Chick · Jan 27, 2012

The unit needs to be GFCI protected, so if you remove the one on the cord and then someone else dies because of it you wouldn't feel too good.

For testing purposes, you could cut it off and then connect the cord to a GFCI outlet to see if it will trip that. The problem is with a molded plug, once you cut it off there is no going back.

If the motor has a ground fault, you might be able to detect it with a meter, but the problem may not occur unless the unit is running.

Jadnashua · Jan 27, 2012

While not a 100% check, does the test button trip the thing? The whole idea of a GFCI is that it measures the current on the line in comparison to the neutral...it should be equal when running. If it isn't by more than a little (often in the 5ma (0.005A) range), then it will trip. This is less than the amount that will harm the average person. The things are generally pretty reliable, although it could be bad.

hj · Jan 27, 2012

NO! It just might be trying to tell you something, but you are too stubborn to listen. Plug it into a GFCI outlet and see if that one trips also, although the PW's one could be a bit more sensitive and trip first.

DonL · Jan 27, 2012

Them 120V PW's are a joke anyway.

Cut the cord off and save it.

Chefwong · Jan 27, 2012

I actually prefer the electrics.
Nice and quiet.
I have 3 PW. One monster GPM/PSI gas for the outdoor.
One 220 Electric .

The one is question is a 120V Camspray unit. Not the $99 karcher special....

DonL · Jan 28, 2012

chefwong said:
I actually prefer the electrics.
Nice and quiet.
I have 3 PW. One monster GPM/PSI gas for the outdoor.
One 220 Electric .

The one is question is a 120V Camspray unit. Not the $99 karcher special....

All the 120v ones are about the same, You can't get something for nothing.

They are Tinker Toys, as you can tell.

Chefwong · Jan 29, 2012

I just got around to futzing with it.
No power, even on a reset.

I assume that the plug is bad.

Next steps, cut the cord, put regular cord into it, plug into a GFCi outlet and then confirm it's good ?

DonL · Jan 30, 2012

chefwong said:
I just got around to futzing with it.
No power, even on a reset.

I assume that the plug is bad.

Next steps, cut the cord, put regular cord into it, plug into a GFCi outlet and then confirm it's good ?

There should be a breaker an the rear of the motor, Is it tripped ?

GFCI on wet power tools.....

Chefwong

Member

JWelectric

Electrical Contractor/Instructor

Sponsor

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Cacher_Chick

Test, Don't Guess!

Jadnashua

Retired Defense Industry Engineer xxx

hj

Master Plumber

DonL

Jack of all trades Master of one

Chefwong

Member

DonL

Jack of all trades Master of one

Chefwong

Member

DonL

Jack of all trades Master of one

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