[Jewelry making - Article 00318] - Re: [Orchid] Electrical question

[James Binnion]

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>       I just learned that there are GFCI circuit breakers, to protect
>     large areas of the house. Is this as good as it sounds?
>     Receptacle-type GFCIs are required in so many parts of a house
>     (outlets in the kitchen, bathroom, garage, attic, etc.), I wonder
>     why the circuit-breaker-type are not the standard for new
>     construction. 

    	As electrical engineer in my previous occupation I will add a
    couple of thoughts. The first is that GFCI's are a great idea at
    individual outlets but you may find them more than a little annoying
    if they are installed at the breaker panel and are set to protect
    whole circuits. They have a tendency to occasionally trip with the
    starting of motors. This may result in frequent trips to the breaker
    panel to reset the GFCI breaker. This is why if you have a good
    electrician they will set up a separate circuit only for the
    refrigerator in your kitchen so that it will not trip the GFCI's
    that are required on the convenience outlets in the kitchen. As this
    outlet is hidden by the refrigerator most inspectors will allow it . 

    	Second any electric kiln is a potential shock hazard and you are
    taking a risk if you reach into it when the power is applied.
    Reaching into an energized kiln is a bad idea period. This applies
    to the little table top "beehive" types with the elements encased in
    ceramic and to the larger ones with exposed elements. It is right up
    there with fishing a piece of toast out of the toaster with a fork
    when it is plugged in. 999 times out of a thousand you will get away
    with it but all it takes is once to kill you so don't do it. Unplug
    or at the least turn off the power before reaching into a kiln. 

    Jim Binnion James Binnion Metal Arts Phone (360) 756-6550 Toll Free
    (877) 408 7287 Fax (360) 756-2160 http://www.mokume-gane.com
    jbin AT mokume-gane.com Member of the Better Business Bureau


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