Code question – GFI in basement for shop
I have a home shop in my unfinished basement. I have a new machine (a 1949 Delta 20″ band saw) that I want to run on 220. It will have a dedicated outlet.
The code says you have to have GFCIs in an unfinished basement except for dedicated circuits such as appliances. I could get a 220v GFCI breaker, but I understand that’s a pretty pricy option. So the question is, do I have to have GF protection, and whether I have to or not, should I?
Pete
Replies
"The code says you have to have GFCIs in an unfinished basement except for dedicated circuits such as appliances."
No, it says for 120v receptacles.
No problem with a 240. You are going to connect it to 240 and not 220, RIGHT <G>?
yup.
Just curious, why would GFCIs only apply to 120?
Pete
If you look at locations where GFCI's are required and how they work you will find that there is 2 basic reasons for having GFCI's.1) Where you can get between the electricity and water. IE, drop hair dryer into the sink or a sauna.2) Where appliances with defector cords (or extensions) might be used and there is a conductive surface nearby. That includes garages, basements, and outdoors. Places where pwoer tools are often used by the untrained and not maintained and can have damagaged cords.Fixed appliacnes and 240 equipment does not have their cords pulled on to unplug then and used in other ways that will damage the cords and connections. And they have grounding connection on their plugs.
1949 Delta band saw.
What are the odds of it having the original motor and wiring?
At the very least, he should check the equipment grounding path, to make sure it is still right.
Dave
This is a restoration. It does have an original motor. I'm being very careful to ground everything. The cord goes to a mechanical starter which will be grounded to the cabinet, and from there an armored cconduit goes to the motor, which will be tied to the ground. I'm not taking any chances. (All right, a mag starter would be better than mechanical, but I'm ok with it).
Pete