On 6/6/2010 7:21 PM, Mark Lloyd wrote:
On Sat, 29 May 2010 19:39:56 -0400, "Cliff
wrote:

I installed my window air conditioner and the GFCI on the end of the cord
would not reset. I figured I would replace the plug and get an inline GFCI
to replace what was there.

I cut the plug off the end of the cord. As I was doing this I was wondering
how I would figure out which side was black and which was white. Well I
looked at the cut end and to my relief I saw a white, black and a green
conductor inside the sheath, OK a piece of cake.

As I cut back the sheath I found that the white and black wires were wrapped
with a copper shield like the outer conductor in CATV cable.

I was like what was I supposed to do with this shield. I cut it back the
"shield" to keep it away from the terminals, put the plug together plugged
into the GFCI and every thing worked.

So why the "shielding"?


I think the device is supposed to shut off power if the cord is
damaged. Like if your dog bites into the cord, connecting one of the
conductors to that "shield" through conductive canine saliva.

My sister and husband had a weird dog that would get mad and run
about the house pulling electrical cords from the wall sockets.
One time the goofy canine bit in to a live one and after a long
session of yelping, decided not to ever do that again.

TDD