Isolation transformer in place of a GFCI

[Terry Schwartz]

On Wednesday, March 14, 2018 at 7:16:23 PM UTC-5, jurb...@gmail.com wrote:

"Nothing is fail-safe other than a low-voltage, battery-operated system."

Almost, such a system could develop line leakage like any other. Then it is dependent on the GFCI.

A low voltage, battery-operated system can develop line leakage? How is that? And exactly where in a battery system would one use a GFCI?

 

>"Nothing is fail-safe other than a low-voltage, battery-operated system."

Almost, such a system could develop line leakage like any other. Then it is dependent on the GFCI.

 

>"How is that?"

The charger.

Unless you mean solar, that is different.

Know what ? I think it would be adequate just to use a GFCI breaker AND a GFCI outlet and be done with it.

But seriously, did you mean that they disconnect the charger when the lights are in use ? If you meant that or solar then I was wrong.

 

[Terry Schwartz]

I envisioned an LED system with a healthy sized gel battery.... charging would take place when the system is disconnected. With the right battery you could probably run such a light string all summer and only need to charge it a few times. With a solar array, never.

Leaving a charger connected would defeat the purpose. And some chargers will only charge until the voltage level is met, and not restart unless disconnected anyway. A battery maintainer or tender would likely be smart enough to charge when the voltage drops. But it's a moot point.

One thing I can say with certainty here is that the 120V string of lights above the pool MUST GO!

 

>"One thing I can say with certainty here is that the 120V string of lights above the pool MUST GO! "

I used to do electrical work. Changed out a box and subsequently they wanted me to bid on digging a ditch for power to the pool and garage because the wires were overhead at the time. I had to turn it down because it was just too much PITA. If they had called on me before the pool was in it might have been different but people do not think ahead. The job was bad enough, had to make a new hole for the mains, and it was right in the corner so had to cut the cover side off an inch or so. I hope they got it done. Thinking about it, if one of the wires, even the hot fell into the pool they would be alright until they tried to step out of it. If there was a load and both ends fell in, ZZZAAAPPP. If both wires fell in from the fed side also ZZZAAAPPP.

 

[Tim R]

On Thursday, March 15, 2018 at 12:34:00 PM UTC-4, Terry Schwartz wrote:

I envisioned an LED system with a healthy sized gel battery.... charging would take place when the system is disconnected. With the right battery you could probably run such a light string all summer and only need to charge it a few times. With a solar array, never.

Of course solar power doesn't work at night, and you don't need lights during the day.

(the moon is much more important than the sun. It gives us light at night, when we actually need it.)

 

[Terry Schwartz]

Of course, the solar cells would charge a battery......

Of course solar power doesn't work at night, and you don't need lights during the day.

(the moon is much more important than the sun. It gives us light at night, when we actually need it.)