Using my cpap machine in an ungrounded outlet?

General Discussion on any topic relating to CPAP and/or Sleep Apnea.
monkeywaffles

Re: Using my cpap machine in an ungrounded outlet?

Post by monkeywaffles » Sun Oct 16, 2016 3:26 pm

I do have a receptacle tester. Both outlets are open ground. All the others are grounded.

rjezuit
Posts: 54
Joined: Sat Mar 17, 2012 9:29 am

Re: Using my cpap machine in an ungrounded outlet?

Post by rjezuit » Sun Oct 16, 2016 3:41 pm

Most if not all of the houses built before the early 60's have 2 prong outlets. Not unsafe, just less safe if a fault occurs. Most knob and tube is in houses built prior to the 20's. Don't worry, you are in no imminent danger. Would you be afraid of using a non GFCI outlet? Millions are out there. What about non arc fault? Once again millions are out there and it is current code in many places. As things evolve, they get "better" and "safer". Mostly to protect people from their own stupidity.

Monkeywaffles

Re: Using my cpap machine in an ungrounded outlet?

Post by Monkeywaffles » Sun Oct 16, 2016 3:53 pm

rjezuit wrote:Most if not all of the houses built before the early 60's have 2 prong outlets. Not unsafe, just less safe if a fault occurs. Most knob and tube is in houses built prior to the 20's. Don't worry, you are in no imminent danger. Would you be afraid of using a non GFCI outlet? Millions are out there. What about non arc fault? Once again millions are out there and it is current code in many places. As things evolve, they get "better" and "safer". Mostly to protect people from their own stupidity.
Thanks that's the answer I was looking for.

3b12f2

Re: Using my cpap machine in an ungrounded outlet?

Post by 3b12f2 » Sun Oct 16, 2016 3:55 pm

monkeywaffles wrote:I do have a receptacle tester. Both outlets are open ground. All the others are grounded.
do they make two prong receptacle testers? why would they? there is no ground so how could you have anything other than an open ground?

Guest

Re: Using my cpap machine in an ungrounded outlet?

Post by Guest » Sun Oct 16, 2016 4:00 pm

3b12f2 wrote:
monkeywaffles wrote:I do have a receptacle tester. Both outlets are open ground. All the others are grounded.
do they make two prong receptacle testers? why would they? there is no ground so how could you have anything other than an open ground?
2 to 3 prong plug adapters used on outlets.

amenite
Posts: 501
Joined: Sat Jan 31, 2015 7:02 pm

Re: Using my cpap machine in an ungrounded outlet?

Post by amenite » Sun Oct 16, 2016 4:03 pm

3b12f2 wrote:
monkeywaffles wrote:I do have a receptacle tester. Both outlets are open ground. All the others are grounded.
do they make two prong receptacle testers? why would they? there is no ground so how could you have anything other than an open ground?
Something like this would work. And can tell you if the box is grounded when used properly:
http://www.homedepot.com/p/GE-90-300-Vo ... /203744891

rjezuit
Posts: 54
Joined: Sat Mar 17, 2012 9:29 am

Re: Using my cpap machine in an ungrounded outlet?

Post by rjezuit » Sun Oct 16, 2016 4:07 pm

It is actually legal/acceptable by the NEC code (National electrical Code) to replace a 2 prong outlet with a 3 prong BUT you must have it marked on the outlet and it must be a GFCI outlet or circuit. as ungrounded.

User avatar
palerider
Posts: 32299
Joined: Wed Dec 16, 2009 5:43 pm
Location: Dallas(ish).

Re: Using my cpap machine in an ungrounded outlet?

Post by palerider » Sun Oct 16, 2016 4:09 pm

Image

_________________
Mask: Bleep DreamPort CPAP Mask Solution
Additional Comments: S9 VPAP Auto
Get OSCAR

Accounts to put on the foe list: dataq1, clownbell, gearchange, lynninnj, mper!?, DreamDiver, Geer1, almostadoctor, sleepgeek, ajack, stom, mogy, D.H., They often post misleading, timewasting stuff.

User avatar
Goofproof
Posts: 16087
Joined: Mon Dec 05, 2005 3:16 pm
Location: Central Indiana, USA

Re: Using my cpap machine in an ungrounded outlet?

Post by Goofproof » Sun Oct 16, 2016 4:27 pm

rjezuit wrote:Most if not all of the houses built before the early 60's have 2 prong outlets. Not unsafe, just less safe if a fault occurs. Most knob and tube is in houses built prior to the 20's. Don't worry, you are in no imminent danger. Would you be afraid of using a non GFCI outlet? Millions are out there. What about non arc fault? Once again millions are out there and it is current code in many places. As things evolve, they get "better" and "safer". Mostly to protect people from their own stupidity.
CORRECTION: What you mean is more costly. knob and tube will last forever if installed correctly, and circuits are correctly fused, and not overloaded. Jim

I have never lived in a house that was up to code never will, if I did they would just change " The CODE", what I do is make sure any changes I make are done correctly and safe.
Use data to optimize your xPAP treatment!

"The art of medicine consists in amusing the patient while nature cures the disease." Voltaire

User avatar
Goofproof
Posts: 16087
Joined: Mon Dec 05, 2005 3:16 pm
Location: Central Indiana, USA

Re: Using my cpap machine in an ungrounded outlet?

Post by Goofproof » Sun Oct 16, 2016 4:32 pm

Monkeywaffles wrote:
rjezuit wrote:Most if not all of the houses built before the early 60's have 2 prong outlets. Not unsafe, just less safe if a fault occurs. Most knob and tube is in houses built prior to the 20's. Don't worry, you are in no imminent danger. Would you be afraid of using a non GFCI outlet? Millions are out there. What about non arc fault? Once again millions are out there and it is current code in many places. As things evolve, they get "better" and "safer". Mostly to protect people from their own stupidity.
Thanks that's the answer I was looking for.
And all you do by protecting stupid people is to insure they will breed and make even people that are more stupid. Natural Selection is our friend, too bad it works so slowly. Jim
Use data to optimize your xPAP treatment!

"The art of medicine consists in amusing the patient while nature cures the disease." Voltaire

User avatar
Goofproof
Posts: 16087
Joined: Mon Dec 05, 2005 3:16 pm
Location: Central Indiana, USA

Re: Using my cpap machine in an ungrounded outlet?

Post by Goofproof » Sun Oct 16, 2016 4:33 pm

3b12f2 wrote:
monkeywaffles wrote:I do have a receptacle tester. Both outlets are open ground. All the others are grounded.
do they make two prong receptacle testers? why would they? there is no ground so how could you have anything other than an open ground?
Yes, it's called a light bulb! Jim
Use data to optimize your xPAP treatment!

"The art of medicine consists in amusing the patient while nature cures the disease." Voltaire

Guest

Re: Using my cpap machine in an ungrounded outlet?

Post by Guest » Sun Oct 16, 2016 4:41 pm

Guest wrote:
3b12f2 wrote:
monkeywaffles wrote:I do have a receptacle tester. Both outlets are open ground. All the others are grounded.
do they make two prong receptacle testers? why would they? there is no ground so how could you have anything other than an open ground?
2 to 3 prong plug adapters used on outlets.
exactly what i was thinking and that would explain the "open ground" as that is the 3rd connection

rjezuit
Posts: 54
Joined: Sat Mar 17, 2012 9:29 am

Re: Using my cpap machine in an ungrounded outlet?

Post by rjezuit » Sun Oct 16, 2016 5:52 pm

Goofproof, it's not the knob and tube itself that goes bad, it is the rubber insulation that degrades over decades. Leads to possible exposed wires. But not a hazard if not exposed.

User avatar
chunkyfrog
Posts: 34545
Joined: Mon Jul 12, 2010 5:10 pm
Location: Nowhere special--this year in particular.

Re: Using my cpap machine in an ungrounded outlet?

Post by chunkyfrog » Sun Oct 16, 2016 6:01 pm

Once you are knowledgable about your surroundings and how things work, you will have nothing to fear.
Fear comes from ignorance. Don't be "that guy".

_________________
Mask: AirFit™ P10 For Her Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear
Additional Comments: Airsense 10 Autoset for Her

User avatar
Goofproof
Posts: 16087
Joined: Mon Dec 05, 2005 3:16 pm
Location: Central Indiana, USA

Re: Using my cpap machine in an ungrounded outlet?

Post by Goofproof » Sun Oct 16, 2016 7:21 pm

rjezuit wrote:Goofproof, it's not the knob and tube itself that goes bad, it is the rubber insulation that degrades over decades. Leads to possible exposed wires. But not a hazard if not exposed.
If it's run right the wires will NEVER be installed so they can touch each other. if the insulation falls off, they should NEVER be positioned so they can touch. Jim
Use data to optimize your xPAP treatment!

"The art of medicine consists in amusing the patient while nature cures the disease." Voltaire