Ground fault circuit interrupters are required for all 120-volt power tools on a construction site unless which condition is met?

Ground fault circuit interrupters are required for all 120-volt power tools on a construction site unless which condition is met?

• A. The tool is double insulated
• B. They are always required
• C. The work area is dry
• D. Insulated gloves are worn

Answer: (C)

Ground-fault protection works by continuously comparing the current flowing in the hot and neutral conductors and tripping the circuit if there’s any leakage to ground. This fast disconnection prevents a person who becomes a path to ground from receiving a potentially dangerous shock. On construction sites, 120-volt portable tools are exposed to moisture, dust, and other conductors that can create grounding paths, so GFCI protection is generally required to reduce the risk of shock. The only time this protection is not required is when the work area is dry, because in a dry environment the likelihood of a ground fault path forming is much lower, making the risk level low enough to allow operation without GFCI protection for that particular situation.

Ground-fault protection works by continuously comparing the current flowing in the hot and neutral conductors and tripping the circuit if there’s any leakage to ground. This fast disconnection prevents a person who becomes a path to ground from receiving a potentially dangerous shock. On construction sites, 120-volt portable tools are exposed to moisture, dust, and other conductors that can create grounding paths, so GFCI protection is generally required to reduce the risk of shock. The only time this protection is not required is when the work area is dry, because in a dry environment the likelihood of a ground fault path forming is much lower, making the risk level low enough to allow operation without GFCI protection for that particular situation.