Gfci Types and Basic Applications

There are basically three Gfci types:

1. Gfci receptacles

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2. Gfci movable devices

3. Gfci breakers

Each one of them provides the same type of assistance / security - it saves lives by limiting duration of an electrical shock.

Gfci receptacle is the most popular and it has been in assistance since early 1970's. It looks almost like a regular electrical outlet, with two small buttons located regularly in the center. The buttons are marked "test" and "reset," sometimes in 2 separate colors, sometimes the same shade as the Gfci receptacle body.

By pressing the test button your are creating a situation in which this security device should trip and disconnect the power to anything plugged into the receptacle.

Unfortunately, millions of those outlets installed in our homes have a minuscule security glitch, if improperly wired, the device will trip but the power remains on... Pretty scary for a security device.

Gfci receptacle has two terminals on the back marked "Line" association (this is where the power furnish from electrical panel should be connected), and two terminals marked "Load" where supplementary outlets might be attached. By accidentally switching line and load wires in those millions of receptacles, the "glitch" is activated.

The easiest way to test the receptacle line - load association is to insert a 3-light receptacle tester into it or associate a lamp to the device and push "test" button (the lamp method does not test other wiring problems). If the button trips but your light fixture remains on, the wiring has been most likely reversed and Gfci receptacle provides no security at all.

Newer Gfci receptacles have a feature called "Smart Lock" which prevents this from happening. You can beyond doubt recognize those devices by a small padlock sign in one of the corners of the face plate - any improper wiring blocks the test button.

One, very foremost time to come of Gfci receptacles is that they can be used to replace 2-prong / ungrounded outlets. This provides security from electrical shock for us, but still no ground for equipment. Newly installed Gfci receptacle and all outlets associated downstream from it (on the load side) must be marked as "Gfci protected" and "not grounded" - this is a code requirement.

Gfci movable devices plug into a regular house outlet and furnish security to anything is plugged into them. Some of them look like an extension cord with a thicker section containing protective device, other have a weatherproof enclosure with a build in Gfci receptacle, etc.

Gfci Types and Basic Applications

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