Understanding GFCI Plugs
Ground faults are current leakages that happen in electrical circuits.
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) plugs prevent death or serious injury caused by electrical shock. Detected low-level ground faults prompt the GFCI to react swiftly before any damage is done.
Please read on to learn more about GFCI plugs.
How GFCIs help with ground faults
Ground faults are current leakages that happen in electrical circuits. They occur when an accidental (or intentional) connection happens between grounded conducting material and electric ground conductors. Any material that can be grounded may cause a ground fault, including the human body. Instead of following the right path, electricity flows to the ground or unintended paths. The GFCI detects this and interrupts power immediately to avert electrical shock and serious injury.
The GFCI is capable of noting any electrical flow difference, even if the current is as small as four or five milliamps. It then trips and shuts the circuit off.
GFCI types
These plugs come in three types:
The most common is the receptacle type GFCI. Resembling a wall outlet, most consumers are familiar with this option.
Circuit breaker GFCIs serve as a replacement for the standard circuit breakers. They offer protection on all the receptacles present in individual circuits.
The portable or temporary GFCIs are popular in outdoor settings and construction sites where electric tools, trimmers, and mowers are used. These shouldn't serve as permanent replacements for regular GFCIs. Also, test them before each use.
Note that GFCIs don't offer protection against all shock types. The device will not cover:
Phase-to-phase shocks
Direct contact with high-voltage sources
Testing GFCIs
One of the reasons why GFCIs fail to work as they should is lapses in regular testing. Most consumers neglect to verify that the systems are indeed working well. These are electronic devices, and they do degrade over time. So, embrace regular maintenance by a professional. Please note that a GFCI receptacle may function even if the circuit no longer works. This calls for an immediate replacement. The plugs are useless if installed incorrectly or are broken.
Importance of GFCI plugs
The Electrical Safety Foundation International states that if every home in the U.S. had the GFCI plugs installed, around 7% of all annual electrocutions would be prevented. Such plugs are handy around swimming pools, crawl spaces, garages, bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. The electrical circuits are most likely to contact water accidentally in these areas.
Always involve professional electricians
Monthly testing will confirm that GFCIs are working correctly. To be safe, installation, maintenance, and repairs should never be treated as a DIY project. Get in touch with a qualified electrician to handle the task correctly. With regular checks, timely repairs, and replacements, you can get the most out of these handy plugs and keep the household safe from ground faults.
Kennedy Electric is a reliable full-service electrical company serving residential and commercial customers in Citrus, Hernando, and Pasco Counties. We offer electrical repairs, boat lift wiring, remodels, low voltage lighting, generator hookups, RV power, electrical inspections, fan installation, home lighting, new circuits, panels, and more. Call today at 352-251-2795.
