Understanding the Role of Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) Outlet

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The GFI outlet, also known as GFCI- Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter, is an electrical outlet designed to prevent shocks, electrocution, and fires. If there is an electrical fault in a home appliance, the device will protect the person from shock by cutting off the power supply. Let's examine the role of a ground fault circuit interrupter and how it works. 

What is Ground fault?

The GFCI outlet measures and compares the current, both the input current and the output current. Even if there is a slight difference in the current, it means the current is leaking out and possibly into a person's body. With immediate detection, the outlet disconnects the power supply quickly within approximately 20-30 milliseconds and can prevent a shock or fatal electrocution. 

Types of Ground fault

There are three types of GFCI's. 

  • GFI Receptacle

It is the primary device and is replacing the older non-GFCI outlets.

  • GFCI Circuit Breaker

It protects the outlets on selected circuits and is installed in the panel box. It cuts off the power supply/ trips immediately when there is an overload or short circuit. 

  • Portable GFCI Outlet

 It is used when there is no GFCI installed nearby. Homeowners can easily plug a portable GFCI into the outlet and then plug in the appliance they want to use. 

Where is the Ground fault installation required?

 Please note that if the receptacle is prone to moisture, then the ground fault installation becomes necessary. It increases the risk of an electrical shock. Here Are some of those locations:

  • Bathrooms

  • Swimming pool areas

  • Kitchens

  • Garages

  • Laundry

  • Outdoor areas

  • Unfinished basements

  • Wet bar sink areas

  • Boathouses

The GFCI protection has increased with the several revisions made in the electrical safety code. Local building authorities can provide a detailed list of your building or house requirements for the GFCI outlet installation.

How is the GFCI installation done?

  • The outlet can be installed either at the outlet with the test and reset buttons. 

  • The outlet can be provided at the distribution panel with a GFCI circuit breaker that keeps a tab on all the outlets on the circuit it controls.

  • If you want to protect the additional outlets downstream of the local outlet type using the push button, those outlets are wired to the Ground fault's load side. 

Issues with the reset of the GFCI outlet 

  • The GFCI outlet does not reset.

  • The ground fault device shuts down often.

How to test the ground fault interrupter

The GFI outlets must be inspected monthly. Plug in a home appliance such as a lamp and press the GFCI test button while it is on. If the appliance is shut off and the GFI outlet pops out, it can be assumed that it is working correctly. Now press the reset button again and let the outlet do its work.

However, one can always rely on a licensed electrical technician to inspect and assess the ground fault. Hiring licensed professionals will be best, as they would carry out all the assessment work and fix any issues that might hamper its functioning, and make it work seamlessly. It would be advisable to get in touch with a reliable residential and commercial electrician to get high-quality electrical work. They also carry accident insurance and bond, so safety worries are put to rest.

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