Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter Gfci Protection

Ground fault circuit interrupters or gfcis are life saving devices found on electrical receptacles outlets circuit breakers extension cords and other electrical equipment they detect imbalances in the electrical current and quickly shut off the power to minimize the risk of shock.

Ground fault circuit interrupter gfci protection.

Gfcis are generally installed where electrical circuits may accidentally come into contact with water. Ground fault circuit interrupter also detects ground faults and interrupts the flow of electric current. 2018 was the 50th anniversary of gfci protection in the national electrical code nec. Injury may still occur in some cases for example if a human falls after receiving a shock or if the person touches both conductors at the same time which an rcd won t.

It works by comparing the amount of current going to and returning from equipment along the circuit conductors. Their circuitry monitors electrical input. A residual current device rcd residual current circuit breaker rccb or ground fault circuit interrupter gfci is a device that quickly breaks an electrical circuit to prevent serious harm from an ongoing electric shock. A ground fault circuit interrupter gfci can help prevent electrocution.

The ground fault circuit interrupter or gfci is a fast acting circuit breaker designed to shut off electric power in the event of a ground fault within as little as 1 40 of a second. A gfci is a ground fault circuit interrupter an inexpensive electrical device that if installed in household branch circuits could prevent more than two thirds of the approximately 300 electrocutions still occurring each year in and around the home. If a person s body starts to receive a shock the gfci senses this and cuts off the power before he she can get injured. A gfci not to be confused with an afci integrates a ground fault protection in receptacles where electrical equipment is near water or might be in contact with water.

A ground fault circuit breaker is properly called a ground fault circuit interrupter breaker or simply a gfci breaker it installs into a home s service panel or breaker box and provides gfci protection for the entire branch circuit it serves. Ground fault circuit interrupter protection gfci it s rather remarkable when you stop to think about it. At first it was only required for swimming pools and then expanded to outdoor and bathroom receptacle outlets.