Ground faults put you at risk of shock or electrocution. This risk is high in wet environments and locations close to water. This includes bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor areas common to moisture. Water provides a path for electricity. Also, human tissue has a low resistance to electrical currents, so when someone comes into contact with a live electrical conductor, they become the path of least resistance and suffer an electrical shock.
Ground-fault circuit interrupters GFCIs are used for protection from an electrical ground fault. They will also protect against fires and overheating.
A GFCI is a fast-acting circuit breaker designed to turn off electric power in the event of a ground fault. Electricity is present everywhere and even a small negligence can result in electrical fatality. Workplaces and Job sites are at highest risk of causing electrical accidents. Every year, more than 5, employees get electrocuted in the US. One of the causes of electrocution is improper grounding of the equipment and here comes the role of the GFCI.
A ground-fault circuit interrupter GFCI is a fast-acting circuit breaker which can detect small imbalances in the circuit caused by current leakage to the ground and turn off the electricity at a fraction of a second. The GFCI outlet matches the amount of current that is going into an electrical device against the amount of current returning from the device along the electrical path. In short, the GFCI stops dangerous amounts of current from injuring or killing the workers using the equipment.
It is critical that all employers develop and implement an effective safety program that protects their workers and prevent fatal electrical accidents. If it detects any difference between both current values it stops the flow of current. This incorporates a GFCI device within one or more receptacle outlets. These devices are quite popular due to their low cost. A portable GFCI that can plug into a standard receptacle comes in numerous styles and is easy to transport.
Some of these are designed to plug into the existing non-GFCI outlets or they can be connected with a cord and plug arrangement. The portable GFCI also incorporates a no-voltage device that can disconnect the power to the outlets if any supply conductor is open. All the units that are approved for outdoor use will be in enclosures that are suitable for the outdoor working conditions. Initially, it was only required for you to install GFCI outlets near water but this requirement has been extended to cover all single phase outlets of volts in recent years.
GFCI outlets should also be installed on temporary wiring systems during construction, renovation or maintenance of structures that are using power temporarily.
The ground fault circuit interrupter is essentially designed to avert ground faults by immediately disrupting the flow of current from the outlet. This is why periodic testing is very important to ensure that the GFCI outlet is functional at all times.
If the GFCI outlet is tripping often, it probably needs further investigation by a certified electrician as it could also be a result of worn out insulation, accumulated dust, or deteriorated wiring. It is recommended that GFCI outlet should be tested every month and replaced every decade. You can follow these simple steps to test if the circuit interrupter is working properly:.
It is always recommended to work with a certified electrician who can ensure that your system is in compliance with relevant codes so your home remains guarded against electric fires. In most states, building codes now require GFCI plugs to be installed in the wet areas of homes such as laundry rooms, baths, kitchens, garages, and other places that may be prone to electrical shocks caused by moisture.
So, check your home to see if it has any GFCI outlets installed. Ensure that the wires do not touch each other and then turn the switch on. The line set carries the incoming power and the load set distributes the power among additional outlets while also providing shock protection. Connect the power wire black to the line set and the white wire to the load set on the GFCI outlet.
Secure the connections using a wire nut and wrap them using electrical to tape for extra safety. Now connect the ground wire to the green screw on the GFCI plug.
Apart from the peace of mind that you and your family are protected against electrocutions, installing GFCI outlets will help you:. Electrical shocks and electrocution are the major risks that you can be exposed to through electrical devices at your home.
This becomes a bigger concern if you have kids who can unknowingly touch the appliances and get a shock. A GFCI outlet helps in preventing shocks and electrocutions as it has a built-in sensor that monitors the inflow and outflow of the electricity from any appliance. If a live wire inside the appliance comes in contact with the metallic surface of the appliance, you will get a shock when you touch it.
However, if you plug the appliance into the GFCI outlet, then it will notice if there is any change in the electrical flow which may occur due to a loose wire and it will instantly shut down the power.
They will be heavier on your pockets as compared to regular outlets, but the safety advantage will definitely outweigh the cost disadvantage in the long run.
Avert Fatal Electrical Fires One of the main functions of a GFCI outlet is to detect the ground faults, which occur when the flow of electrical current leave a circuit.
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