Replies

1. 
   BillHartmann | Oct 31, 2005 05:41pm | #1

   Yes.

   In fact installed GFCI is one of the code approved ways to install "grounding" receptacles without having a ground. They, and any downstream receptacles, are supposed to be labeld No Equipment Ground.

   Note - that a plug in tester will not test the GFCI, but the builtin test button does work.

   Also GFCI should not be installed to supply an appliance where a false trip might cause damage. That includes refigerators/freezers and sump pumps.

   Also an ungrounded GFCI supply a surge protector supply computers or TV's will not give full surge protection with a true ground.

   Otherwise GFCI's without a ground are perfect for upgrading kitchen counter receptacles, bath, basement, outside, etc.

2. 
   JohnSprung | Oct 31, 2005 10:09pm | #2

   Yes.  The GFCI works by determining whether there's any difference between the amount of current flowing in the hot and the amount flowing in the neutral.  This can be sensed very easily by wrapping a few turns of wire around the pair.  Anything sensed by that inductive pickup is a difference current, which means that electrons are escaping someplace.  It's a really elegant solution. 

    

    

   -- J.S.

    

3. 
   DanH | Oct 31, 2005 10:35pm | #3

   Yes. (Just reenforce what the others have said.) In some cases the test button won't work, but that's the only problem.

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   No electrons were harmed in the making of this post.
4. 
   maddog3 | Oct 31, 2005 10:54pm | #4

   they will work as long as the neutral is still bonded in the panel !!

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1. 
   DanH | Nov 01, 2005 12:31am | #5

   Even that isn't required. You could have a situation where the "ground" (what the person is standing on) is halfway between hot and neutral. The GFCI would still trip if there were a fault.
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   No electrons were harmed in the making of this post.

1. 
   maddog3 | Nov 01, 2005 01:25am | #6

   but where is the reference, if the neutral is not bonded"

1. 
   DanH | Nov 01, 2005 01:46am | #7

   On the pole.Actually, there doesn't need to be a reference per se. So long as any current flows outside of the two wires, the GFCI will trip. It could be because you got between the hot of the GFCI-protected circuit and a 100KV line somewhere (though in such a situation the arcing would probably negate any protection the GFCI provided).--------------
   No electrons were harmed in the making of this post.

   Edited 10/31/2005 6:49 pm by DanH

1. 
   maddog3 | Nov 01, 2005 02:13am | #8

   I was looking this up after I said it, and I have to change my remarks now... I agree ...no bonding is required"

2. 
   RaulDuke1971 | Nov 01, 2005 04:39pm | #9

   Thank you guys.  That is great information for a hopeless inhabitor of old houses.