On 10/15/2013 7:38 PM, Bill wrote:
....

To those "in the know". If there is "leakage" like this, does it mean
that their might be risk of shock to the user or fire (from
overheating?). Just curious.
....

Theoretically (that's why the GFCI limit is set so low), yes, 4-5 mA
directly across the heart region is enough to be fatal. But, to get
that means you've got be be holding onto the side that is hot with one
hand and have the other on a solid ground so the path is through you and
the entire leakage current of that magnitude is through you.

So possible, yes; at all likely really not, especially in absence of
water or other way to get a solid ground. For pool equipment, other wet
areas like shavers, etc., around bath sinks, etc., and as I mentioned
before, heaters for livestock waterers and so on where there is a pretty
good chance that you could get the ground they've a purpose but for the
general shop area as a general rule they're really overdoing it imo.

It is not an overcurrent protection issue at all; that's what the
regular circuit breaker is for.

--