Re: Tesla coils on GFCIs (fwd)

[<sroys@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Wed, 8 Dec 2004 11:51:55 -0700
From: Gomez Addams <gomez@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: High Voltage list <hvlist@xxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: Re: Tesla coils on GFCIs (fwd)


On Dec 8, 2004, at 10:00 AM, High Voltage list wrote:

> Original poster: <sroys@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
>
>
>
> ---------- Forwarded message ----------
> Date: Tue, 7 Dec 2004 20:04:19 -0800
> From: Jim Lux <jimlux@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
> To: High Voltage list <hvlist@xxxxxxxxxx>
> Subject: Re: Tesla coils on GFCIs (fwd)
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "High Voltage list" <hvlist@xxxxxxxxxx>
> To: "hvlist" <hvlist@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
> Sent: Tuesday, December 07, 2004 7:39 PM
> Subject: Tesla coils on GFCIs (fwd)
>
>
>> Original poster: <sroys@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
>>
>>
>>
>> ---------- Forwarded message ----------
>> Date: Tue, 7 Dec 2004 15:29:33 -0700
>> From: Gomez Addams <gomez@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
>> To: High Voltage list <hvlist@xxxxxxxxxx>
>> Subject: Tesla coils on GFCIs
>>
>>   I just realized that I may have to install GFCIs in my new wiring in
>> the "shop" because in reality it is a garage, the code requires GFCI
>> protected outlets in garages.  I may or may not have to install GFCIs
>> in the shop area (especially as it is physically distinct from the 
>> rest
>> of the garage, with a separating wall) but frankly, for life safety
>> reasons it is not a bad idea.
>
> Perhaps not required. Get a copy of the relevant codes and check.

  I did, that's why I said they are required.  If I had not read the 
code, I would not have said that the code required them.  The shop area 
is a gray area which would depend on the hypothetical inspector's 
judgment.  I will probably put GFCI's on the outlet circuits in there 
anyway, since I do a lot of crazy stuff.

>   GFCIs
> aren't required for instance, on single outlets intended for a 
> dedicated use
> (i.e. a refrigerator). Or, on circuits rated at more than 20A, etc.

  Yes, I know.  I will not put one on the garage furnace circuit, for 
example.  The lighting circuits have no outlets and also do not require 
GFCI.

>>   However, GFCIs being electronic devices with sensitive electronic
>> amplifiers in them, I see this as a recipe for trouble when it comes
>> time to run Tesla Coils out there.
>>
>> 1: Has anyone successfully run a Tesla coil from a GFCI protected
>> outlet (presuming a well isolated HV transformer),
>
> Yes... NST 15/30 with static gap
>
>> and
>> 2: has anyone had trouble with GFCIs when Tesla coils have been
>> operated nearby?
>
> No.
>>
>
> Practically speaking, I imagine that there is a fair amount of 
> variability
> in the sensitivity of these devices.

Gee, I hope not.  Or do you mean sensitivity to RFI?

>   Also, you could look into installing a
> GFCI breaker in the panel, rather than a GFCI outlet which is then
> daisychained. The breakers are a bit more expensive.

GFCI outlets only on the circuits which require them is exactly what I 
had in mind.  My thinking being that the GFCIs would then be enclosed 
by a Faraday cage.  Conducted noise would appear at the GFCI as common 
mode, and shouldn't be a problem, I hope.  Exposed wiring is all in 
conduit, but wiring in the ceilings is not.

I'm not in a big hurry to do this, as I do not expect to be inspected 
any time soon, and this is one of those area where I believe the code 
errs on the side of paranoia.