Using leaf blower around water - any risk of electric shock

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Darth Muffin

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Okay, I'm probably just exposing my absolute ignorance here (and I'm alright with that) but I have a question about the safety implications of using a corded leaf blower after having just washed my car in that the ground will be wet with small puddles here and there.

Obviously I would be using an outdoor rated extension cord but, barring any damage to the cord's insulation, is there a huge risk of electrocuting myself?

I was thinking about picking up a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) like this to be on the safe side.

I was originally looking at getting a cordless blower but can't find any to my liking.

Thanks everyone and it's okay if you laugh. :xyxthumbs:
 
I just used mine the other day to blow dry my GTO (too lazy to wait for my 30gal compressor to fill up LOL). As long as you have a GFI and a well made cord with no frayed wires you should be good to go.
 
Gfi is a great start though there's really no worries just be sure to a long enough extention cord and if you want place the cord over your shoulder(its good practice when polishing too)
 
Any outlet in a garage or exterior space has to be connected via a GFCI per code.
Jus' sayin'......


But to answer, (like if you're running your cord from inside the house) unless you are bare footed, standing in ankle deep water, have bare wires visible, have those wires directly in contact with the water, have your FEET in the same water as the bare wires, and/or have the motor for your blower removed from blower itself and holding it betwixed your fingers whilst it spins up to 20,000rpm, the switch betwixed your other fingers, and somehow the nozzle between your thighs so as to direct the air (somehow).:dunno:

AND it be during a pouring rain and lightning storm! :eek:

Then naaaaaahhhhh I wouldn't be worried about it. ;)

I've used all sorts of power tools outdoors for the last 40+ years and have yet to be electrocuted while walking across damp concrete. (Even when they were plugged into a portable generator!)
 
Thanks for the replies everyone. Seems like I should be okay with the mentioned precautions.

cardaddy said:
Any outlet in a garage or exterior space has to be connected via a GFCI per code.
Jus' sayin'......
Click to expand...

I'm renting. It's an outlet in the garage but don't want to take a chance.
 
Leaf blowers are designed to be used outside in potentially wet environments. I wouldn't worry about getting electrocuted.
 
Darth Muffin said:
Thanks for the replies everyone. Seems like I should be okay with the mentioned precautions.



I'm renting. It's an outlet in the garage but don't want to take a chance.
Click to expand...

The space should be up to code before they rent it. Get it changed and send them the bill.
 
It probably is. I am completely clueless about any kinds of usual handiwork most men can probably do around the house so have no idea how to check.
 
Never had a problem........................:buffing:
 
Darth Muffin said:
It probably is. I am completely clueless about any kinds of usual handiwork most men can probably do around the house so have no idea how to check.
Click to expand...

A GFCI receptacle is pretty easy to recognize, it will have test and reset buttons on it. Go to Home Depot website or just google GFCI to see what one looks like. It's also possible that there is a GFCI receptacle further up the circuit which would cover the one you are using.
 
cardaddy said:
I've used all sorts of power tools outdoors for the last 40+ years and have yet to be electrocuted while walking across damp concrete
Click to expand...

Well that kind of goes without saying, considering you just posted a reply to this thread. That would kind of be impossible if you had been electrocuted.

;) :p
 
:dblthumb2:I have a gas blower

Peace out @hip5 Im the MAN
 
There is always a risk of electrical shock (or even something of a more drastic nature) occurring:
Whenever/wherever there is a combination of electrical appliances and water/moisture.

Please don't allow yourself to be lulled into thinking otherwise.


Bob
 
.brian. said:
Well that kind of goes without saying, considering you just posted a reply to this thread. That would kind of be impossible if you had been electrocuted.

;) :p
Click to expand...
Well... actually.... you can get electrocuted and survive. ;) Executed otoh is a different story. :rolleyes:

I know I've been shocked by 110 and 220, one will draw you up and the other knock you back a little. Both make you say wordy durds! :laughing:

Yet I know that 110 I can jerk away from easier. Didn't have to get hit bit once by 220 to make me not like working with it without pulling the main. Yet I've been known to get lazy when working in the boxes here (we have two 42" service panels in the basement) because both our mains (a 250 and a 300) are outside.
 
if you are using an electrical tool that has been recently made, it probably wont even have a ground on the cord because the tool is double insulated

double-insulated.jpg.aspx


note the double boxes, that means double insulation. when handling the tool, it's perfectly safe unless you literally have exposed wire and you're touching them.


GFCI is more around for the sake of being used around larger pools of water that won't cause you to be shocked off of something. they are required in every area that is near a body of water like every outlet in a kitchen (minus a fridge), and garage or outdoor receptacles. but if your tools and cords are in good condition then you won't have anything to worry about. unless you are sopping wet while handling then, which is never a good idea.

dry hands and dry tools, along with good insulated shoes/boots if working in water (or remove the water beforehand, or lay a wooden board down for insulation) to prevent yourself from connecting to ground.

i work around electricity every day, and that is going too far for me anyway, i just make sure my tools are in good shape, my cords are in good shape, and im not dunking them in water. or handling them right after dunking my own hands
 
i've never had any problems but just make sure not to have it lying in a puddle of water and also that the electrical cord itself isn't fraying at all...
 
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