Jack-

GFCIs, though not strictly required in the area you
discuss, are an excellent idea and will benefit your
electrical safety efforts. I do not understand why you
exclude things like soldering irons. GFCIs will work
fine on these tools also. 

The GFCI does not depend on an equipment grounding
conductor to function. It functions by detecting a
small imbalance in the current-carrying conductors.
This imbalance can be caused by a human getting a
shock, regardless of whether or not the equipment is
grounded. Therefore, they are useful with
double-insulated tools. 

Some equipment may cause nuisance-tripping. This
includes equipment that intentionally leaks current to
ground, such as some electronic equipment, devices
that produce a lot of RF noise, and older motors that
have worn brushes and other sparking parts.  

Hope this helps-

Keith
Electrical Safety Institute


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Date:    Mon, 6 Mar 2006 16:54:16 -0500
From:    "Braddock, John W HS"
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Subject: Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters

        Looking for input regarding the use of Ground
Fault Circuit
Interrupters (GFCIs) in manufacturing areas on all
hand held portable
electric tools such as drills, saws, grinders,
planers, etc. except for
tools designed with a resistive energy load such as
soldering irons and 
heat
guns and specialized electrical tools used in
Electrostatic Static
Dissipative areas. (Note the tools in question are
double insulated.) I
remember reading some where that there are certain
applications where 
GFCIs
may create more problems than they solve. Cathode ray
devices may not
function well with GFCIs so that test data could be
lost in the vent of
incidental tripping. I am looking if any one has
specific information 
on the
limitations of GFCIs used in manufacturing, assembly
and test 
applications
not involving outside or wet or damp work. 
        I have had more than person indicate that a
GFCI will not work with
a double insulated tool. I do not believe that is true
but I am looking 
for
thoughts/comments from others.  
        John "Jack" Braddock