Em 26/2/2012 13:31, Carl Denk escreveu:
> Yes, that installation is ugly, but 2 issues:
> 1: Make sure there is a GFCI with proper connections to the internal=20
> electrical parts of the unit. I believe the NEC (USA electrical code)=20
> would require that, as electrical outlet within arms reach of a water=20
> source.
> 2: Make sure that the unit has a very good ground. That plastic pipe can=
=20
> be assumed as zero ground. It used to be that water supply pipes were=20
> steel then copper (before that lead) which were connected to a metallic=20
> underground pipe which provided an excellent ground everywhere there was=
=20
> a water pipe! Today, there are plastic pipe, water meters (have seen=20
> heavy bare copper ground wire jumpering around), valves and other=20
> devices. And don't forget di-electric unions at hot water tanks. All=20
> these interrupt the ground circuit where I don't think   one could trust=
=20
> any pipe anymore. Think about in an older installation, pipe leaks,=20
> repair is with plastic pipe as quick, and inexpensive.


In Brazil it is very rare the use of GFCI protection, and even grounding
is often completely missing.
The new code demands that every wall outlet be grounded, but it will
take years until it is predominant.

As I said, I used showers with phase-phase installations without ground
and never had any problem, even during thunderstorms.

Not that I think it is correct, but that's the life and sometimes we
don't have an option.


Isaac

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