The usage for a GFCI Outlet/receptacle
A ground fault circuit interrupter Outlet (GFCI outlet) is a electrical protective device designed for breaking the circuit every time when there is an imbalance between incoming and outgoing current. The GFCI outlet avoid overheating and possible fire happens to electrical wiring, greatly reducing the risk caused by shock injuries and fatal burns. It also detects ground faults and disrupts the flow of current but should not be used to replace a fuse because it does not offer protection against short circuits or overloading.
The working principle for a GFCI Outlet
The GFCI is integrated in the electrical outlet and constantly tracks the current flowing in a circuit to detect fluctuations all the time. Regarding its three holes: two of the holes are for neutral and hot wire separately and the last hole in the middle of the outlet usually serves as a ground wire. It will immediately cut off the flow of electricity once any change in the electrical flow in the circuit is detected. For example, if you are using a household appliance such as a hair dryer for instance and it slips into a sink that is filled with water, the GFCI outlet will immediately sense the interruption and cut the power to offer electrical safety in the bathroom and beyond.
Locations for use with GFCI Outlet
GFCI outlets are important, especially when the they are placed at locations close to water. It is ideal to Install GFCI outlets in your kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms or pool house etc. Apart from being an essential preventive measure, the law also requires users to install GFCI outlets throughout their homes. As per National Electric Code (NEC) requirements, all homes must be equipped with GFCI protection for safety consideration. At the first beginning, it only need to install GFCI outlets near water but later this requirement has been extended to cover all single phase outlets of 125 volts. GFCI outlets should also be installed on temporary wiring systems during construction, renovation or maintenance of structures that use power temporarily.
Why Does the GFCI Outlet Trip and how to handle it when happens
The GFCI is basically designed to avoid ground faults by immediately disrupting the flow of current from the outlet. This is why periodic testing is very important to make sure the GFCI outlet is always functional. The GFCI outlet probably need further investigation by a certified electrician if the GFCI outlet trips often, as it could also be a result of worn out insulation, accumulated dust, or deteriorated wiring.
Benefits for Installing GFCI Outlet
Except for the peace of mind that the home owners are protected against electrocutions, installing GFCI outlets will help you:
1. Prevent Electrical Shocks
The major risks that usually happens are electrical shocks and electrocution through electrical devices at your home. This becomes a bigger concern for more and more parents as children usually unknowingly touch the appliances and get a shock. A GFCI outlet is designed with a built-in sensor which monitors the inflow and outflow of the electricity from any appliance thus it helps to prevent shocks and electrocutions. If a live wire inside the appliance contacts with the metallic surface of the appliance, you will get a electrical shock when touch it by accident. However, if you plug the appliance into the GFCI outlet, then the GFCI will notice if there is any change in the electrical flow happens due to a loose wire, in further, it will instantly shut down the power. A GFCI outlet is heavier than regular outlet if you weigh them, but the safety advantage will definitely outweigh the cost disadvantage in the long run.
2. Avoid Fatal Electrical Fires
One of the very important functions of a GFCI outlet is to detect the ground faults when the flow of electrical current leave a circuit. They are responsible for causing electrical fires. Frankly speaking, you are effectively preventing electrical fires from occurring after installing the GFCI outlets. You might not agree with the opinion that electrical fuses also provide basic protection against electrical fires, however, when you combine them with GFCI outlets, the chances of electrical fires erupting and harming you and your loved ones will almost reduce to zero, this has improved the electrical safety to a new level.
3. Avoid Damage to Appliances
The insulation of an appliance will probably break after a long time use, or there will certainly be a few cracks in the insulation if a break not happens. Some amount of electric current will even leak through these cracks into the appliances and other electronic items. If the appliance’s outer body isn’t metallic, then you won’t get a shock at that time but the constant leakage of the current will damage the equipment for long time use. If it has a metal body, then you will experience electric shocks as well. However, you do not need to worry about the situation that your appliances would get damaged due to leaked current when you have an appliance connected to the GFCI outlet. The GFCI circuit will automatically detect the leak and immediately shut down the circuit, this will prevent electrical leaks from damaging expensive equipment and appliances. You can save the unnecessary expenses come from repair or replace your damaged electrical devices.
Post time: Nov-07-2022