In article ,
(Scott Lurndal) wrote:

"Jon" writes:

(Also a GFCI outlet is no good without a ground!)

This is incorrect. A GFCI operates by comparing the
current flow between the current carrying conductor
and the grounded conductor (aka neutral). If they don't
agree within some small percentage, the GFCI will
interrupt the current flow. While it is preferred that
it be grounded it is not strictly necessary to obtain
the benefit of a GFCI.

scott

How does the "Test" feature on a GFI outlet work without a ground? My
understanding was that it was just a high-resistance shunt from the hot
leg to ground. When you push the button, the hot leg draws a little
current, the comparitor sees a current differential and pops the
internal circuit breaker.

On the other hand, just because the "Test" feature doesn't work, doesn't
mean the rest of it doesn't work. On the third hand, it seems pretty
dumb to put a GFI outlet someplace and not hook the ground up. On the
fourth hand, it seems pretty dumb to ever install an outlet without a
ground.