GFCI Receptacle in Washdown Environment? 3

[Brad-X]

Hi,

This is a question we've gone back and forth over in my department but haven't come to a good conclusion on. If there are any opinions out there, I'd greatly appreciate them:

Within an industrial setting where frequent washdown occurs (in this case Food & Beverage), should general-purpose receptacles be GFCI protected?

Due to the presence of water, I like the idea of GFCI's to protect the workers, however due to the very same water & moisture in the air, I fear there would be frequent nuisance tripping.

Further Info:
-We are using In-Use Weatherproof covers as we don't expect the worker's to unplug all cords before beginning washdown of the rooms. The best rating I can find on a CSA approved in-use cover is NEMA 3R, so not moisture-proof.

Thanks in advance,
Brad

 

[itsmoked]

I think you're overly worrying about GFI nuisance tripping. (I also totally agree with John.)

In cases where there's a nuisance trip it's often a faulty GFI that is overly sensitive and swapping it out usually fixes the problem completely. (outlets or breakers)

Occasionally swapping them out doesn't solve it. In every case I've seen it was because something was actually dangerously faulty in the 'protected equipment'.

If that old open motor in the band saw keeps tripping the GFI then by golly it's leaking electrons like a sieve and is a serious hazard that should be repaired/replaced and not de-protected because it's a nuisance.

Keith Cress
kcress -

http://www.flaminsystems.com

 

[Brad-X]

I appreciate the thoughts and experience, John/Keith. The impetus for the question really was that my hands-on experience in this matter is minimal and I'm coming at it from a largely theoretical/design perspective.

Keith, just to clarify, my analogy regarding the Bandsaw was with regards to physical guarding (i.e. barriers), and not electrical protection. I completely agree with your comment on equipment GFI's.

 

[itsmoked]

I did realize that but was continuing your useful analogy.

Keith Cress
kcress -

http://www.flaminsystems.com