A ground fault can happen when some electricity escapes the confines of the standard electrical wiring in a light fixture, appliance, power tool or other device and has to find somewhere else to go.
When this shortcut is taken through a human, it can prove to be deadly. Every year, about 200 people in the United States die of ground faults. This accounts for about two thirds of all the electrocutions occurring in homes.
What is a GFCI Outlet?
In order to prevent such accidents, a renowned professor of Electrical Engineering at the University of California, Charles Dalziel, invented the Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) in 1961.
What it does is monitor the standard difference in the current flowing into or out of an appliance or tool.
When this difference exceeds 5 milliamps, the GFCI takes it as an indication that a ground fault might be occurring.
If a ground fault is occurring, the outlet shuts off the electric supply in an instant. Most of the time, it takes only .025 seconds for the GFCI to shut off the supply.
Where Do You Usually Find GFCI?
Most concerned authorities have realized the importance of these units to prevent minor and major accidents related to electricity.
Therefore, the National Electric Code requires GFCIs in all new bathrooms, kitchens, unfinished basements, crawl spaces, and outdoor receptacles.
It is advised that owners of older houses retrofit with GFCI receptacles at the locations mentioned above. They may also choose GFCI breaker switches, which are mounted in the primary breaker panel.
How Do You Know GFCI Is Working?
The best part about using GFCIs is that they can easily protect you whether your wiring is grounded or not. According to most studies and industry experts, they can keep homeowners safe and prevent accidents that could have otherwise been fatal.
Since power surges and lightning can damage these units, most experts recommend a simple monthly test. You can test them by plugging in a regular light fixture and switch it on.
The next step is to push the device’s test button. If your light fixture stays on, the GFCI should be replaced. You may need to call on Conductive Electrical Contracting if your unit is faulty or damaged.
In the last few years, GFCI units have become extremely popular in the United States. Homeowners are learning their importance to keep themselves safe from unexpected accidents related to ground faults.
