Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters Explained

A ground fault occurs whenever electricity escapes the confines of the wiring in a light fixture, appliance, or power tool and takes an alternative unintended path to the ground. When that alternative path is through water or a human, the results can be fatal.

Did you Know That...

About 200 people in the United States die from ground faults each year. This number accounts for two-thirds of all electrocutions that occur in homes every year.

The GFCI detects that the current is flowing along the wrong path and immediately shuts off the power. As they are able to sense a current imbalance as small as 4 or 5 milli-amps, GFCI receptacles can also react as fast as one-thirtieth of a second. Although they are primarily designed to prevent electric shock, they can also prevent some fires. 

Picture this!

It is a rainy day and you are working outside with a power saw. You are standing on the ground and the power saw is inevitably becoming wet from the rain, creating a path from the hot wire inside the saw through you to the ground. If the electricity in use flows through you from the hot wire to the ground, the possible resulting electrical shock could be fatal. However, if you have a GFCI receptacle, the current’s failure to flow from hot to neutral would be detected and the electricity would be immediately shut off to prevent the flow from flowing through you and thus avoid the deadly ground fault.

The GFCI Receptacle is very similar to a common wall receptacle, also known as an outlet. There are several different types, all of which ensure a specific type of extra protection against ground faults. Learn about the difference between a GFCI receptacle & a GFI outlet. 

Along with the various types of receptacles, there are also different GFCI amps available to choose from. Amp is used to measure electrical current, so the different amps correlate with the current that flows between the outlet and the electrical device

20-amp GFCI: These higher-amp GFCIs are often installed in offices and commercial buildings. However, 20-amp outlets are also essential in residential homes where high-current devices, such as kitchen appliances, are used.

The National Electric Code (NEC)

Over the years, the National Electrical Code (NEC) has expanded the requirements for GFCI to protect anyone who uses electricity. Originally, they were only required in areas where there was temporary open wiring at construction sites and in dwelling unit bathrooms.

More recently, however, the NEC has expanded the GFCI protection requirements to many other areas including fountains and swimming pools, commercial occupancies, and temporary installations. Be sure to stay up to date with the National Electrical Code (NEC) to protect lives and property from electrical hazards by checking up on the newest NEC yearly!

Where should I install my GFCI?

GFCI receptacles are designed to prevent ground faults which cause electric shocks and fires due to incorrect current path flow. One of the common mistaken paths the electrical current may take is water. Therefore, they should be installed in any areas where water may be present, including: bathrooms, garages, kitchens, unfinished basements, wet bar sinks, outdoors, and laundry & utility sinks.

Why should I buy a Tamper-Resistant GFCI?

Tamper-Resistant GFCI receptacles feature a built-in safety shutter system to prevent the insertion of foreign objects (such as keys, hairpins, or nails) into the receptacle opening. This is especially convenient for homes where children may be. If a child attempts to insert something into the receptacle, the tamper-resistant outlet will detect that it is not a proper two or three bladed plug and will not allow the insertion. With this safety feature, injury from electric shock will be avoided.

Why should I buy a Weather-Resistant GFCI?

Ideal for outdoor use, weather-resistant GFCIs resist both UV light and extreme temperatures. They provide protection against the unpredictable weather, such as rain, snow, ice, moisture, and humidity, which may create ground faults.

Can I plug my refrigerator into a GFCI?

No, you should not plug your refrigerator or any other moisture-driven appliance, such as a wash machine, into a GFCI. A receptacle would detect the water from the moisture and trip up the circuit, and unnecessarily power off the appliance.

How do I identify the different GFCI receptacles just by looking at them?

GFCI receptacles are easily distinguished. The tamper-resistant type are marked with a TR right above the red reset button and the black tester button on the GFCI receptacle. The weather-resistant types are marked in the same way, but with a WR directly above the reset and tester button.

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