Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter - Your Ally In Safety

Have you heard of the term ground fault circuit interrupter or GFCI before? If you haven't, then it is time to learn about this useful device and how it can help you maintain the high levels of safety in your home.

GFCIs are there to help prevent electrocution. Remember that the human body is a good conductor of electricity and once it receives an electric shock, the GFCI can sense this and it will then cut the power before the human gets injured. GFCIs are generally installed in moisture-prone areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and the garage.

According to the NEC or the National Electrical Code, ground fault is any conducting connection, whether it is accidental or intentional, between an electric conductor and a conducting material that’s grounded (or may be grounded).

By nature’s law, electricity will always finds its way to the ground. With a ground fault, electricity finds a path to the ground but it goes through the wrong conductor, often a human body. This poses a risk for shock, hence, GFCI protection is necessary for the preservation of human life. Circuit breakers as well as fuses protect equipment – these are not meant to protect people.

GFCI Goes to Work

In the U.S., a regular 120-volt outlet has two vertical slots and one round hole. What’s known as neutral is the longer slot while the shorter one is referred to as hot. That hole in between is the ground.

A GFCI will be able to sense the difference between the electrical amount that flows to the circuit and that which flows out. Even a 4-5 milliamp difference will be detected by the GFCI. Every GFCI device should be tested before it is put to use.

There are three kinds of GFCI. The most common type is the receptacle type which is similar to the common wall outlet. This is also the type that consumers are most familiar with.

The next type is the circuit breaker GFCI which used to replace standard circuit breakers. This is used to protect all receptacles on an individual circuit.

Plug-in or temporary GFCIs are commonly used in outdoor settings or construction areas where they are placed together with trimmers, mowers, electrical devices and other similar tools. These should not be utilized as an alternative to the permanent type, though.

Just like the regular type, temporary GFCIs must also be tested prior to use.

A lot of consumers no longer take the time to test their GFCIs. These are electronic devices that can also suffer from wear and tear. The electrical receptacle in the device may continue functioning even when the circuit no longer works. In this case, only a licensed electrician must replace the device as soon as possible.

Monthly checks must be done to ensure that the GFCIs are still in good working condition. Whether you have a circuit breaker or receptacle, testing the device is a must. Push the test button to have the reset button pop up. Push the reset button so that power and protection is re-established.

Portable GFCIs must be used outdoors with different electrical tools such as drills, trimmers and mowers.

It is highly recommended that a GFCI is installed in an area where power tools and appliances are near water. Wet objects or tap water become good conductors of electricity so they can easily connect a human body to any ground potential.

Ground fault circuit interrupter differs from AFCI or arc-fault circuit interrupter as the latter was developed to provide fire protection for homes. These are the type of fires that are caused by electrical or wiring failures. You must never confuse GFCIs with AFCIs, while they are both important with regard to your safety, AFCIs are there to address electrical fire hazards while GFCIs address shock risks.

When you need anything in regards to lighting repaired, look no further! Our skilled techs at Valley West Electric can fix any and all kinds of lighting repairs.