Home Current News News Archive Shop/Advertise Ridecamp Classified Events Learn/AERC
Endurance.Net Home Ridecamp Archives
ridecamp@endurance.net
[Archives Index]   [Date Index]   [Thread Index]   [Author Index]   [Subject Index]

[RC] Electric Cords and Horse Teeth - Tom Noll

Greetings:

If you are using any electric cords near horses, it is very important that
you have working GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) electric outlets.
The GFCI will immediately, and I mean immediately, shut of the power when a
very slight ground fault is detected.  GFCI circuits have saved many lives.
The electric code now requires GFCI outlets on most exterior circuits and on
outlets near plumbing.  Older houses may not have GFCI exterior outlets.
You probably have a GFCI in your bathroom and in your kitchen, and if you
don't, you should retrofit your existing outlets there too.

Existing outlets can easily be replaced as long as the existing outlet is a
3-wire circuit (white, black, ground).  A GFCI only costs a few dollars and
someone who is reasonably competent can replace the existing outlets with
GFCI outlets.  The basic steps are to turn off the power at the breaker-box,
test that there is no power in the line, follow the installation and wiring
instructions, turn on the power, and then test the circuit.  One GFCI, if
properly wired, will protect all downstream outlets on the circuit.  If a
horse chews on the electric cord, or if the electric appliance shorts in the
water tank, the GFCI will immediately shut off the power and likely save a
life.

If you are uncomfortable with the work, call an electrician.  You will also
want to purchase a small testing device.  Common testers are yellow
three-prong devices with three lights.  The combination of lights tells you
if the outlet is wired correctly and there should be a button on the side to
test the GFCI.

If you board at a stable and you don't see GFCI outlets, you need to ask
why.

Here's a link to more information regarding GFCIs:

   http://doityourself.com/electric/gfci.htm

Not only are GFCIs a good idea -- it's the code.


Tom Noll
SW Idaho



=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Ridecamp is a service of Endurance Net, http://www.endurance.net.
Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/Ridecamp
Subscribe/Unsubscribe http://www.endurance.net/ridecamp/logon.asp

Ride Long and Ride Safe!!

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=