2 prong vrs 3 prong electirc plug

Ya gotta help me out here. We have a running battle in another forum concerning devices that are submerged in ponds / aquariums etc (lights, pumps, heaters and such) Most all of these are non metallic in nature for the most part and come from the factory with a UL approved or CSA approval stamp on them for their intended use. Most all of these items have 2 prong plugs or 2 conductor wire.......

One group says that a 2 prong plug is unsafe no matter what if its used n water......other group dissagrees as it meets approval and if used according to directions of manufacturer etc it is perfectly safe.

GFCI protection is used in both cases........Just what is so hazzardous with 2 prong or 2 conductors w/GFCI as compared to 3 conductor w/GFCI when the object is not metallic in nature and no chance of becoming a path to ground by touching it on the outside is possible.....

I say that if it was not safe UL or CSA CE would not have put their stap of approval on it........Just looking over the past couple of days at numerous pond and aquarium pumps, heaters, lights, bubblers etc ..9 out of 10 had 2 prong plugs........My one large centrifugal pump came with a 3 conductor wire but its 115/230 VAC and has a metal framed motor, however my straight 115 VAC centrifugal pump with composite motor cover and housing came with a 2 conductor wire as did my submersible pump.............which also has a composite body as well. My small little giant submersible pump has a metal body and came with 3 conductor wire, but the newer composite body Little Giant came with 2 conductor.......so what gives.......

Appreciate any feedback....... Visit my website:

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Reply to
Roy
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Anything with a nonconductive outer case gains nothing from a third wire ground. Double insulated power tools have no 3 wire plug.

A GFCI will catch any current leakage and trip.

Reply to
nospam.clare.nce

Put the pump in a isolated plastic bucket full of tap water expose one of the wires on the two conductor cord and stick it in the current leaking to the other pole may not be enough to trip the breaker and will not trip the GFCI since there is not a ground fault but if you put a grounded or bonding wire it will trip the GFCI. Just be careful and don't stick your hand in or you might get shocked if your GFCI is lazy.

Reply to
Mr. MOSFET

And stick both hands in while wearing rubber shoes, and you may well get dead, as the GFCI won't trip.

Reply to
Ian Stirling

You will find a lot of responses on the internet that are more knowledgable than the appropiate agencys. :-) Ha Ha Ha . ...lew...

Reply to
Lewis Hartswick

Everything I recall seeing regarding ponds and aquariums reminds you to remove power from the equipment before you put your hands in the water.

Reply to
bamboo

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