You would expect three kids to come back – right? If less than three returns that would be a problem. Just like if you send your three children off in a car for a day at the lake. If not, it interrupts – shuts down – the power. It makes sure that the amount of current entering a circuit is equal to the amount leaving. The GFCI is a device that simply measures electricity flowing in a circuit. In 1965, an electrical engineer named Charles Dalziel figured out how to do it, and he invented a device called a GFCI. So wouldn’t it be great if there was a device that could detect this problem and shut things down? Whenever current flows on the wrong path it’s like a train off its rails and bad things can happen. The circuit I speak of is on wires – from and then back – to its source. It’s when electricity is free-flowing to ground instead of where it is supposed to flow – in its’ circuit. The scenario I just described is called a “ground fault”. If that path happens to be through your body – so be it. And will always take the path of least resistance. Suffice it to say, if a generated electrical current can find a way to ground it will always take it. The reasons for this are interesting but are better left for another time. Yes, I mean the actual ground under your feet. So what is a “ground fault” and why do I care about it?Īs you probably know – electrical current will always try to flow to ground. Therefore, you may encounter both terms in this article. It’s common to hear what is a GFI outlet? Or, what is a GFCI outlet? GFCI?ĭepending on who you talk with, you may hear the term GFI or GFCI. What is the difference between the term GFI vs. In this case, it’s necessary to change out the box as well. So there can be problems if the box is too shallow and/or has more wires. However, the GFCI is about twice as deep. That is – the length and width and mounting yoke are compatible so that you can usually swap out a standard outlet for a GFI. The GFCI outlet is designed to fit in a standard electrical box. Because this technology is so effective and reliable – it has become mandatory in many areas of your home. GFCIs are very sensitive to certain problems (sometimes, annoyingly too sensitive) and will quickly shut down current flow before you get hurt. It is a safety device intended to protect you from harm. What is a GFCI Outlet?Īs its name suggests, a GFCI outlet (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter), has the ability to interrupt or cut off electricity in the event of an electrical problem. Let’s examine how and why GFCI outlets are so important, where you can expect them to be, and how to test them. Even if your place was built pre-1971, there’s a high chance some of the outlets were upgraded to GFCIs at some point. If your home or residence was built in 1971 or after, it should have GFCI outlets. What is a GFCI Outlet? GFCI stands for “Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter”, and it can literally save your life. Patented in 1965, the GFCI outlet protects people from potential fatal electrical scenarios. It’s a good idea to know what a GFCI outlet is and how they work.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |