How does it work? When do I need it?
A ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) or Residual Current Device (RCD) is a device that shuts off an electric power circuit when it detects that current is flowing along an unintended path, such as through water or a person.
A GFCI is a device designed to protect people against electric shock. It monitors the imbalance of current between the ungrounded (hot) and grounded (neutral) conductor of a given circuit. Typically, the amount of current leaving the source is equal to the amount that returns. A GFCI is designed to trip or de energize the circuit when the difference between hot and neutral exceeds 5 mA.
According to the 2014 NEC, GFCI protection is needed for kitchen counter top circuits, laundry areas, dishwashers, any outlet within 6’ of the outside edge of a sink, bathrooms, outside outlets, garages, pools, hot tubs, and unfinished basements in dwellings.
In commercial applications, GFCI protection is needed in commercial kitchens, within 6’ of the outside edge of a sink, bathrooms, outside outlets, within 25’ of hvac equipment, and commercial garages.
GFCIs short for Ground fault circuit interrupters are effective in preventing electrical shock.
They are installed in areas like your kitchen, laundry room, bathroom etc where electrical Items may come into contact with water.
It is a ground fault circuit interrupter. Its like a small circuit breaker in an outlet and is for safety.
A ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) or Residual Current Device (RCD) is a device that shuts off an electric power circuit when it detects that current is flowing along an unintended path, such as through water or a person.
a device that separates personal contact from the electric current, would require this anytime within 6 feet of water.
That outlet is called a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI). It’s there to protect people from electrical shock, so it is completely different from a fuse.
The question on appliance plugs talks about fuses. The idea behind a fuse is to protect a house from an electrical fire. If the hot wire were to accidentally touch the neutral wire for some reason (say, because a mouse chews through the insulation, or someone drives a nail through the wire while hanging a picture, or the vacuum cleaner sucks up an outlet cord and cuts it), an incredible amount of current will flow through the circuit and start heating it up like one of the coils in a toaster. The fuse heats up faster than the wire and burns out before the wire can start a fire.
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As mentioned before,this is an special type of outlet found within 6 feet of a water source. It is an acronym short for Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter. Most people recognize the red reset and black test button. They can typically be found in the bathroom, laundry room, and outside with a waterproof cover. Occasionally you may see them in other areas where there is no ground wire.
Stands for ground fault circuit interrupter, an outlet that is required to be installed next to any water source
ground fault circuit interrupter- GFCI required by all the cities to be installed in bathroom and kitchen remodeling, outdoors and garages. The reason is it protects us from receiving electric shocks from faults in the electrical devices we use in our home. It works by comparing the input current on the hot side to the output current on the neutral side.
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter, a device that protects people from electric shock. The GFCI will trip at 5 mA of current running through a persons body, well below the amount of current that will kill a person. A GFCI must be installed correctly and inspected to serve its purpose.
They are required within 6 feet of all sinks, unfinished basements, garages, all exterior locations, swimming pools, commercial kitchens, residential kitchen countertops, temporary installations, within 25’ of HVAC equipment, wet locations, etc.
They make all different types of GFCI devices from receptacles to circuit breakers. They are built in to certain appliance cords like hair dryers and air conditioning units. A GFCI will save your life, but not your property. The combination AFCI is designed to trip during an arc fault which can cause a fire. In more residential locations today enforced by the current 2017 NEC you will need both protection devices built into one called dual function GFCI/AFCI.