Grounding Portable Wash & Work Station: Options for Safe & Sound Use

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the challenges of safely grounding a portable wash and work station designed for use in various locations, particularly when conventional grounding options are unavailable. Participants explore safety standards, legal implications, and alternative solutions related to electrical grounding and GFCI protection.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes a portable wash station with a GFI outlet and seeks advice on grounding it in locations where no ground is available.
  • Another participant suggests removing the GFCI receptacle and using a UL listed extension cord with GFCI protection, noting that a GFCI can function without a grounding conductor.
  • A different participant raises concerns about OSHA regulations, stating that a GFI without a ground is deemed unsafe and that compliance with safety standards is necessary for the user's licensing.
  • Another participant emphasizes the complexity of legal versus technical issues, mentioning that while there are ways to reduce shock risk, conflicting regulations may complicate compliance.
  • Battery-powered devices are suggested as a potential alternative to avoid grounding issues altogether.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the safety and legality of using GFCI without a ground. While some propose alternative solutions, there is no consensus on a definitive approach that satisfies all safety regulations.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference OSHA and NEC standards, indicating that the discussion is influenced by regulatory requirements that may not be fully understood by all contributors. The limitations of available grounding options and the implications of temporary wiring are also noted.

brip
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I designed and built a portable wash and work station for my friend who is in the beatifcation business. its a four foot long folding table with folding metal legs and has a small wash basin and one 120 volt GFI outlet that is pluged into the house power source. My quest is to ground this unit when often there is no ground available in 50% of the places she would take it?...I think what I`m looking for is a portable grounding that can be used. conventional wisdom is to run a wire and clamp to water line,but in this case that's not always an option. So is there a safe and sound way to ground this unit?
Any input wiil be greatly appreciated...Bri-p
 
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brip said:
I designed and built a portable wash and work station for my friend who is in the beatifcation business. its a four foot long folding table with folding metal legs and has a small wash basin and one 120 volt GFI outlet that is pluged into the house power source. My quest is to ground this unit when often there is no ground available in 50% of the places she would take it?...I think what I`m looking for is a portable grounding that can be used. conventional wisdom is to run a wire and clamp to water line,but in this case that's not always an option. So is there a safe and sound way to ground this unit?
Any input wiil be greatly appreciated...Bri-p

The safe and sound method would be to remove the convenience GFCI protected receptacle from the table. Use a UL listed extension cord or other UL listed device having GFCI protection. This will not improve the overall safety considerations but limits personal liability.

A GFCI does not require a grounding conductor to function properly.


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Geniere, thanks so much for interest and your right, but Osha states that a GFI without a ground is not safe and there lies the problem as my friend who would use this unit has a license and is reqiuerd to meet their standards of safety.
 
This is really a legal issue rather than a technical issue. I can think of several means to greatly reduce the shock risk to your friend and the customer. I can think of nothing that would satisfy the many, sometimes conflicting, regulations that exist. In truth I have only a rudimentary knowledge of hte NEC and almost no knowledge of OSHA standards. There may be some relief found in "tempory wiring" as specified by the NEC.

I'm at a loss except to suggest battery powered devices.

Ain't bureaucracy wonderful?


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Thanks Geniere and I wiil keep looking for different sulutions within the NEC and maybe I will try and talk to someone at OSHA.