popping GFIs [was Re: Anyone with Roger's Lite accounts?]

[James Knott]

Mike Kallies wrote:
>>> It has 3 prongs.  If I remember correctly, when I use a "cheater"
>>> (leaving ground unconnected), the GFI does not pop.  This is probably
>>> not a safety concern since the power connector on the laptop itself
>>> appears to have only has two terminals.
>> If it wasn't a concern, the manufacturer wouldn't have put the 3rd pin
>> there.
>>
>> Using a "cheater" to bypass a grounded plug is illegal.
> 
> That depends on your definition of "is"

I guess he'll find out, when he has to settle with his insurance company.
> 
> I'm sure using the cheater breaks the rules that the supply was tested
> under.  I personally wouldn't be concerned.... only when plugging into
> a GFIC.  In theory, the GFIC could be a three prong ungrounded outlet
> anyway :-)

That's not what I was referring to.  A GFI is a permissable method of
using 3 prong plugs, when grounded outlets are not available.  When
using a cheater, the safety mechanism, provided by the 3rd pring is
defeated.

> 
> But yeah, manufacturers wouldn't have used a 3-prong outlet if they
> didn't have a reason to.
> 
> -Mike
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