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Mary McDermott

Jan 12, 2002, 7:30 PM

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GFCI's & rooftop wiring

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I have two questions I need help with. Is it a good idea to use GFCI´s in bathrooms and kitchens in Mexico? My contractor says it is a waste of money, but coming from States it has been drilled into my head that it is a good idea.<p>Also, we have telephone wires running across roof top, should these be covered in some way or will they hold up ok in the hot Mexican sun exposed to the elements?

Jim in Cancun

Jan 13, 2002, 7:14 AM

Post #2 of 8 (2100 views)

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GFCI's &amp; rooftop wiring

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<center><img src="http://www.mexconnect.com/jim.gif"></center><p>

Loco

Jan 13, 2002, 1:59 PM

Post #3 of 8 (2100 views)

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Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters

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If you have a 3-wire electrical system and a proper ground ... then it works no matter what country you are in. If you are buying an existing house with the typical 2-wire construction ... it's useless.<p>I would put them on all bath, kitchen and outdoor circuits.

Dutch

Jan 14, 2002, 1:42 AM

Post #4 of 8 (2100 views)

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Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters

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: If you have a 3-wire electrical system and a proper ground ... then it works no matter what country you are in. If you are buying an existing house with the typical 2-wire construction ... it's useless.<p>: I would put them on all bath, kitchen and outdoor circuits.<p>Even if your home only has 2-wire, there is a solution: Hire an electrician to snake a green ground wire to all critical outlets, especially in the kitchen, baths and where you have any sensitive electronic gear. Then you can put in (recommended) ground-fault outlets. Make sure a substantial ground rod is put in, with all ground wire directly or indirectly connected to it. We had to do this, but it was not very expensive. If the electrician can't fish the ground wire through existing conduit, it can always be run around the perimeter of the structure and access to the outlet drilled through the masonry (or run along inside walls, if you can put up with the appearance problem).

TonyS

Jan 14, 2002, 11:47 AM

Post #5 of 8 (2100 views)

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GFCI's &amp; rooftop wiring

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I am curious to learn where in Mexico you are building? Some of the rural contractors and electricians don't have a clue about things like GFCI's. If this is new construction, you really should have GFCI's, grounds and your phone wire should be in conduit. If I were you, I would insist on your contractor getting a real electrician involved with your project.<p>
: I have two questions I need help with. Is it a good idea to use GFCI´s in bathrooms and kitchens in Mexico? My contractor says it is a waste of money, but coming from States it has been drilled into my head that it is a good idea.<p>: Also, we have telephone wires running across roof top, should these be covered in some way or will they hold up ok in the hot Mexican sun exposed to the elements?<p>

alex

Jan 16, 2002, 1:43 PM

Post #6 of 8 (2100 views)

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green wire?

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I've not seen any. The electrical current shunted to ground doesn't care what color it is. Am I thinking like a local now?
Alex

Dutch

Jan 17, 2002, 10:31 AM

Post #7 of 8 (2099 views)

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green wire?

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: I've not seen any. The electrical current shunted to ground doesn't care what color it is. Am I thinking like a local now?
: Alex<p>:o) :o) Actually, since the wire IS going to ground, and we all associate green with terra firma.......No, the electrical system doesn't give a rats' a_ _ what color the wire is. I suggested green, as that is the standard color for it in the EUA, familiar to gringos with any electrical experience as well as Mexican electricians who were trained or worked in the EUA. It should also aid future trouble-shooting of those grounded circuits. Green ground wire is readily available in the Guadalajara/Lake Chapala area, BTW. Happy wiring!

tony ferrell

Apr 11, 2002, 12:04 PM

Post #8 of 8 (2100 views)

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Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters Under the impression..

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that there are GFCI that can be used with a two
wire system. Is this not true?<p>The green wire poster below is just
telling us to put in a ground. Connecting the
ground wire to the water line is also a way to
get a ground without having to do the copper
rod thing. tony<p>: If you have a 3-wire electrical system and a proper ground ... then it works no matter what country you are in. If you are buying an existing house with the typical 2-wire construction ... it's useless.<p>: I would put them on all bath, kitchen and outdoor circuits.<p>
 
 
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