Electrical Systems - House --- Section 8
The Executive 2005
361
GFCI BREAKERS & OUTLETS
A ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) can be found in two different types of applications. One
type is incorporated in a breaker used in 120 Volt AC breaker panels, the other is incorporated in an
outlet.
The GFCI, whether it is a breaker or an outlet, offer two types of protec-
tion. One type of protection is from over-current or shorts to guard against
hazardous ground fault currents that can result in injury or death. Ground
fault currents are currents that flow from the “hot”or power terminal
through a person to the ground. For example, touching a faulty appliance
while standing on or making contact with an electrical ground such as a
water fixture, bath tub or the earth. If the device has been properly installed,
it will offer protection against the type of shock that can result from faulty
insulation, wet wiring from inside an appliance, or any device or equipment
plugged in or wired to that circuit. The ground fault portion of the outlet or
breaker uses sensitive electronics inside the outlet or breaker to detect a
ground fault problem. The electronics monitor the normal current of power,
flowing to the hot or black wire through the load (eg. a light bulb or appli-
ance) and coming back on the neutral, or white wire. If just a small amount
of the current comes back on the safety ground wire, the electronics will trip
the breaker or outlet, stopping the flow of electricity. The amount of current it
takes to trip the device from a ground fault varies slightly from the different
outlet or breaker manufacturers (approximately 30 milliamps or less).
Electrical shocks resulting from ground faults can be felt, but such a shock
is considerably less than one without ground fault protection. People with
heart conditions, or other conditions that make them susceptible to shocks,
can still be seriously injured. A GFCI outlet or breaker will not protect against
shock from a normal current flow. For example, a shock from touching both
metal prongs of an electrical cord or appliance while plugging it in.
WARNING:
If a breaker or outlet continually trips, DO NOT continue to
reset breaker or outlet until the problem has been identified and
corrected.
NOTE:
The ground fault outlet or breaker should be tested once a month to ensure it is oper-
ating. Use the TEST button on the outlet or breaker. It should trip with an audible
“click.” The breaker or outlet will not trip if AC power is not present at the device. If
power is present and the device will not trip, replace it before using that circuit.
NOTE:
One milliamp is 1/1000 of one amp.
060072
Reset
Button
RM03A0003
GFCI Breaker
GFCI Outlet
To Next Page
Loading...
