MINUTES: DECEMBER 9,1999 IAEI SUNCOAST DIVISION, FLORIDA CHAPTER
ANNUAL MEEETING: CITY OF SAFETY HARBOR


INSPECTOR MEMBERS 15 ASSOCIATE MEMBERS 10 GUEST 2

1. The Annual Meeting for the Suncoast Division commenced at 1:34pm with our Division President Ralph Philbrook leading the group with the Pledge to the Flag. The Chair immediately turned the floor over to the guest speakers from Leviton. Bobby Riesdorph , the local Sales Representative for Leviton, introduced Marc Kirby and Gary Jansen, also with Leviton.

Bobby expressed his concern that should anyone find a device that does not function properly , to contact him as quickly as possible.

Gary initiated a power point presentation that explained the internal circuits of a GFCI; how the device functions in the field ; and some of the potential scenarios an installer may come across in the field. Gary explained that when a high impedance problem exists, this is when GFCI comes into play. Grounding is an essential part of safety . Current transformers, grounded neutral detection, and open neutral protection, which is an OSHA issue, were the topics discussed.

Gary continued to explain that if polarity were reversed on the field , the device has two contacts that are located in the line, power side and the neutral side. This is done so as to prevent polarization from becoming an issue. Two current transformers are located inside the sensing circuit that enable the trip mechanism to open. The test button is an internal test circuit whereby the hot leg is running through the sensing GFCI , to a resister which present a miliampere of leakage current to the neutral and thusly is detected and the GFCI will trip.

U.L. 1943 is the standard for testing GFCI’s. Leviton tests for the following at 100%:
Short circuit test , continunity test, leakage , or high pot test . The tolerance of a Leviton GFCI is between 4.2-5.8 milliamp. Any device with test results over these limits or less than these limits is rejected.

Gary explained that the typical resistance of an adult is 500 ohms and a person establishing a path to ground is considered a high impedance path resulting in not enough current to trip an overcurrent device. Gary explained various aspects of a different ground potential.
The lowest impedance in the human body is between the chest and the left arm . Ventricular fibrillation starts at roughly 67 milliamperes of current. The most dangerous frequency ids between 50 and 60 Hertz. The most vulnerable time in a ground fault situation where current is passing through the human body is the first 1/7 of a second, during the first cycle. Gary explained the effects of milliamperage passing through the human body and the effects from a physical standpoint.
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Gary explained the U.S. standard for GFCI protection is between 4 – 6 milliamps. The European standard is higher, around 23 milliamps. The trip speed of a GFCI is expressed in the following formula:
1.43
T =( 20/1)


Gary demonstrated how this formula works and this is the standard by which a GFCI is measured for trip time. Gary explained, Leviton has a higher standard for trip time that is much faster than the U.L. standard .

Gary advised that the GFCI has an internal current transformer that makes sure the neutral is in fact a grounded conductor . This ct will send a small amount of trickle current to test if the neutral is actually grounded. Should the ct not sense that the neutral is solidly grounded , the GFCI will trip. Gary informed the group that if a GFCI is installed and constantly trips, check that the neutral has not accidentally become physically grounded on the load side of the device. Using a diagram, Gary explained various field situations where the GFCI is wired backwards. He explained that the GFCI will trip; however , the load side will remain hot and any devices down line will also remain hot. The GFCI will trip even when a ground is not present. Gary emphasized that a Leviton GFCI has two sensing current transformers .

Discussion on various types of GFCI products , such as breakers and new products were discussed. Applications for 3 phase circuits were briefly mentioned.
GFCI trips at 5 milliamps, plus or minus 10%, and is known as a Class A device. Other GFCI’S were discussed:
ELCI Equipment Leakage Circuit Interrupter Ex. Heat tape
ALCI Appliance Leakage Current Interrupter Ex. Hair dryer (no ground sensing transformer)
IDCI Immersion Detection Circuit Interrupter Ex. Hair dryer
AFCI Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter

The effective down line receptacle protection is limited to 100 circuit feet. An issue of capacitance with the conductor can affect the sensing circuit, Gary explained. In reality , Gary informed the Division that these devices are tested at greater than 100 feet to insure it’s safety effectiveness.

Marc Kirby demonstrated various cord sets, GFCI devices and field situations on a demonstration board. This board drew much scrutiny and conjecture. Marc gave a brief overview of Article 305 .
Marc fielded questions concerning the open neutral and jobsite temporary power. Further discussion took place about jobsite safety and the application of Article 305.

The Chair and the Division applauded Bobby, Gary and Marc for their very informative presentation.

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2. President Philbrook asked the Division to review the minutes. Nelson Montgomery motioned for acceptance of the minutes as printed and Joe Bolesina made a second. The minutes were approved as printed.

Submitted to the Secretary and on file are the following : fax transmission from the Nominating Committee Chair referencing comments and recommendations; copy of the seminar flyer for Saturday February 19, 2000; Florida Building Commission update flyer; copy of an application for Certification of a Registered License; copy of letter from Teledyne Laars Jandy Products referencing spa side remote switching.
Copy of a letter sent to the Secretary thanking the Suncoast Division for its support of the Hospice Foundation of the Florida Suncoast. Copy of Leviton personnel safety device catalog.


3. Ruben Rocha, the Treasurer, gave his financial report with total disbursements of $124.80 and a remaining balance that keeps the Division financially able to provide for its needs.


4. Nelson Montgomery, Chairman of the Nominating Committee, submitted his report to the Division as follows: The Nominating Committee recommends the progression list of Officers be adjusted to move each member up to the next step, with the Third Vice President position to be filled by Scott Anderson. The Officer roll is as follows:
President Steve Doyle
1st Vice President Nelson Montgomery
2ndVice President Bill Zanicchi
3rd Vice President Scott Anderson
Secretary Robert Christlieb
Treasurer Ruben Rocha

Joe Bolesina moved to close nominations at this time with a second voiced. The Chair asked for a vote of the Officers as named . The Division voted in favor of the Year 2000 Officer assignments.

5.NEW BUSINESS: none at this time. Secretary Christlieb initiated a drawing for 6 Cross-pen sets.
The Chair wished everyone a safe and good holiday.

6.At 2:52pm a motion to adjourn was made by Mel Hill and a second voiced by Steve Doyle.
The Suncoast Division 1999 Annual Meeting was adjourned


[This message has been edited by Robert S. Christlieb (edited February 01, 2000).]

[This message has been edited by Robert S. Christlieb (edited February 01, 2000).]

[This message has been edited by Robert S. Christlieb (edited February 01, 2000).]