GFCI receptacle question

[VladChiefns830]

Since the GFCI does not use the equipment grounding conductor in the sensing circuit, GFCIs can protect non-grounding circuits and can replace two-wire (ungrounded) receptacles. However, my specific question deals with an isolation transformer that is protected (receiving power from) a GFCI receptacle.

IF there is leakage on the SECONDARY side of the isolation transformer, then the GFCI protection for the transformer (primary side) is quite useless, correct? It will not trip because it cannot sense any change, correct?

 

[itsmoked]

Yep, that is correct.
You need separate protection on the secondary side also. You usually need to ground that secondary side so it doesn't float to an undefined value.

Keith Cress
kcress -

http://www.flaminsystems.com

 

[davidbeach]

Ummmh...

What's the "isolation" transformer and how is it wired. Maybe, maybe not. Another question for the ultimate protection answer of "it depends".

 

[waross]

The GFCI compares the current going out with the current returning. If there is a difference the GFCI assumes that the lost current returns via ground and trips.
A ground fault on the secondary of an isolation transformer will not affect the balance of the primary currents.
In large protection schemes there may be unintended interaction or lack of protection with multiple grounds and poor design.
In large systems ground fault protection may be provided by monitoring the current (or lack of current) in the neutral to ground link rather than monitoring the residual current. David and I have both encountered systems where ground fault protection has been compromised by poor design. The improper addition/design of a standby generator may cause ground fault protection issues.
It depends.
With a receptacle on an isolation transformer wired according to code there is not much wiggle room.
If the installation is not to code then it depends.

Bill
--------------------
"Why not the best?"
Jimmy Carter

 

[stevenal]

The ungrounded secondary of an isolation transformer will not leak until both legs short to ground. If this happens, overcurrent protection will operate. This does not make the GFCI on the primary side useless, since it still protects the primary circuit and the primary side of the transformer. It may also serve to make the AHJ happy.

 

[VladChiefns830]

I'm not sure how you can say that. There can be leakage on one of the leads only. Point noted that overcurrent will trip if both leads short to ground.

 

[stevenal]

Unless the secondary is extensive enough to have capacitive coupling to ground, ground is simply not part of the circuit. For current to flow, a path back to the transformer secondary winding is required.