Metspitzer wrote:
On Sat, 29 Aug 2009 17:07:50 -0500, The Daring Dufas
wrote:

Rich. wrote:
"John Gilmer" wrote in message
net...
Hi:

Because of a specific problem, I picked up a combination SPST switch
and GFCI single outlet with a "load" connection.

Anyway, the instructions clearly say that one should NOT use the
switch to control the input to the GFCI.

Why should that be a problem?
The electronics within the GFI are not designed to be continuously
attacked by the resulting electrical spikes each time the switch is
turned on and off.
You are close but what I'm thinking may be the reason could have to
do with the way a GFCI works. If you short the neutral and ground
on a GFCI outlet, the GFCI will trip. If power were to accidentally
energize the neutral on the circuit that the GFCI outlet is on and

Can't happen. That is what breakers are for.


I've seen stranger things happen. Things like nails and screws
through wires causing extremely weird short circuits. Remember,
a breaker is for protecting the wiring, not people.

TDD

the power to the electronic control is off, the outlet would not
trip. A GFCI will trip under all fault conditions, not just power
to ground. You should try to trip one by shorting the neutral to
ground and you'll see what I mean.

TDD