two-wire GFCI?

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  • skeezix
    Handyman
    • Jan 2006
    • 57

    #1

    two-wire GFCI?

    None of the outlets in my garage have ground wires. Since GFCI works by measuring current and tripping during an imbalance, would it be okay to install GFCI outlets in the garage to replace the two-wire outlets? It seems like it would be safer than what I currently have (two wire with an ungrounded ground hole.) Do they make GFCI's without ground lugs or do you just not use the ground lug in a two-wire setup? Thanks in advance.
  • Snoonyb
    Handyman
    • Sep 2004
    • 127

    #2
    GFCI's will still trip W/O the ground conductor.
    Also, there is no limit to the number of recepticles which can be protected with a single GFCI.
    Illegitimas non-carborundum

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    • HayZee518
      Deity

      • Jul 2004
      • 8746

      #3
      GFCIs measure the imbalance between the white and black wires and trip electronically a mechanical contact. if there's a ground wire there it uses this as a zero volts reference and it also figures into the trip point but the imbalance between the white and black really counts.. if a portable motor develops a field ground, part of the voltage goes through the white and part goes through ground back to the panel.

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      • bobbopulaus
        New Member
        • Dec 2006
        • 13

        #4
        Depending Where The Gfci Is Placed In The Circuit,will Determine What Outlets Are Protected.you Can Also Install Gfci At Circuit Breaker.best To Have An Electrician Do The Latter.

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