GFCI Receptacle for 250V? 1

[robbm]

For UL508A purposes, we typically run any non-UL listed devices on our 120V systems through a GFCI receptacle. We have a project where we are using 230V and our standard GFCI receptacle is only rated for 125V. I'm guessing I need a 6-20R receptacle configuration with a GFCI, but cannot find one, does anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks.

 

[dpc]

Never seen a 240 V GFCI receptacle. Normally, a GFCI breaker is used for 240 V.

"Theory is when you know all and nothing works. Practice is when all works and nobody knows why. In this case we have put together theory and practice: nothing works... and nobody knows why! (Albert Einstein)

 

[itsmoked]

Yep. And you should re-think your UL = no GFI. Just because something is UL doesn't mean it's more likely to not have a mechanical insulation failure.

The normal considerations are still the best - proximity to water or hard grounds.

Keith Cress
kcress -

http://www.flaminsystems.com

 

[robbm]

this is for equipment inside an enclosed industrial control panel, so there aren't issues with water or hard grounds to worry about. UL508A requires all components in a panel to be UL listed or recognized and we have to use one that isn't for a project. The only to use it and still label the panel is to run it through a GFI, so i think i'm just going to use a GFCI breaker since i haven't found a 250V-rated GFI...

 

[itsmoked]

Yep, da' breaker is the way.

Keith Cress
kcress -

http://www.flaminsystems.com

 

[stevenal]

http://www.hubbell-wiring.com/htm/CommGFCICommercial.htm

page 334 (H-17)

Not a receptacle, also not a breaker.

 

[ScottyUK]

European RCDs are functionally equivalent to a GFCI, and there is also the RCBO which integrates the function of an RCD and miniature circuit breaker into one unit. Both are rated for 250V. Any use?


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If we learn from our mistakes I'm getting a great education!

 

[robbm]

scotty:
i would definitely be interested in it for future projects, do you have a link for these at all? we were on a short time frame for this project, so we went with a GFCI breaker, but i'd like to get info on your solution for next time...

 

[ScottyUK]

They're available as a commodity item from the likes of Merlin Gerin (Schneider / Square D), ABB, Siemens, plus a host of indigenous companies like Hager, MK Electric, etc.

Here's a link to Merlin Gerin's catalogue:

http://www.schneider-electric.co.uk...sf/luAllByID/32E12131DBDB12B3802573870032409C

If their infernal website demands a registration then the catalogue number is MGLV5885. The RCBOs are on Page 1-18


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If we learn from our mistakes I'm getting a great education!

 

[dpc]

It would have to UL labeled (maybe it is) to be used in the US without a lot of hassle.

"Theory is when you know all and nothing works. Practice is when all works and nobody knows why. In this case we have put together theory and practice: nothing works... and nobody knows why! (Albert Einstein)

 

[ScottyUK]

It probably is, just with a Square D badge.


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If we learn from our mistakes I'm getting a great education!

 

[dpc]

And still made in China!

"Theory is when you know all and nothing works. Practice is when all works and nobody knows why. In this case we have put together theory and practice: nothing works... and nobody knows why! (Albert Einstein)

 

[itsmoked]

On an aside.. DO NOT use any GFI receptacles from non-name brand companies. I put in a Kingsomethingorother and it blew up a week later. Sounded like a buzzer and let all the smoke out while I was standing next to it. It had nothing even plugged into it. Stick with Hubbell, Leviton, etc.

Keith Cress
kcress -

http://www.flaminsystems.com

 

[DRWeig]

One more hint -- if you consider using a non-name-brand receptacle with a UL mark, take the extra step and check if it's listed to meet UL 943 (KCXS) as a Class A GFCI, and not UL 498 (RTRT) as a plain old receptacle. There are less-than-honest manufacturers out there. Well, there's at least one and I found him a few years back.

Good on ya,

Goober Dave

 

[itsmoked]

Thanks for that tip Dave.

Keith Cress
kcress -

http://www.flaminsystems.com

 

[jraef]

More issues:
The UL procedure in question is twofold. You must protect the unevaluated (non-UL listed) device with a LISTED GFCI, AND it must be fed from a Class 2 isolation transformer. Class 2 means that the total power is limited to 100W or less. For something 230V, that is essentially 0.43A maximum. So keep that in mind because if your non-listed device needs more than 430mA of power, you are SOL.


"If I had eight hours to chop down a tree, I'd spend six sharpening my axe." -- Abraham Lincoln
For the best use of Eng-Tips, please click here -> faq731-376

 

[DRWeig]

jraef,

I don't see the Class 2 requirement, just isolation -- and Class 2 can't be above 30 VRMS. Are you looking at appendix B, or am I missing something?

Holler!

Goober Dave

 

[robbm]

i noticed the same thing, the appendix for non-ul components doesn't list anything about that in UL508A...

 

[robbm]

so i thought i'd let anyone finding this thread, that i found a Hubbell GFCI that's rated for 250V. It's not a GFCI receptacle, but instead is a GFCI sensing module wired to a corresponding GFCI circuit breaker. thanks for the all and replies.

 

[DRWeig]

RobbM,

Thanks for the comeback, it's always great to hear how something gets resolved.

A star for your Hubbell find.

Good onya,

Goober Dave