Types Of GFCI Used In Homes

Different safety measures being used in electrical appliances nowadays have made the users careless in handling them. And thus, often fall prey to the faulty gadgets. GFCI is such a reliable electric device which safeguards us from electrocutions. This device, if finds any variation in the current flowing from the source and returning to it, it will immediately shut down the power.

National Electric Code has passed a law to install the GFCI at every homes for the safety. GFCI has gained a lot of popularity overtime. Because in previous times, these were used only at outlets near water. Today, we find them at all the places like bathroom, kitchen, basement, garage, and outdoor circuits.

Therefore, we can say that as the technology is advancing, the GFCI outlets are available for home use as well. There are three common types of ground fault circuit interrupters are available for home use: receptacle type, circuit breaker type and the portable type.

Receptacle type GFCI is just like an electrical switch outlet. It has two small buttons on its panel. They are marked test and reset buttons. When the test button is pressed, GFCI trips and cut off the supply to the appliance plugged in it.

Circuit breaker type of GFCI are installed in a panel box and protect the selected area. This type of GFCI have dual functions. It not only shuts off the power supply in case of ground fault, but also get tripped if a short circuit or overload takes place.

Cases where permanent GFCI are not practical, portable GFCI are used. Portable GFCI are also of two types. In first type all the GFCI circuitry is placed in a plastic enclosure with plug blades at the back and the receptacle slots in the front. This type of portable GFCI are first plugged in an ordinary electrical outlet and then, the device to be protected is plugged in the receptacle of the GFCI.

Another type of the portable GFCI is simply an extension cord combined with a GFCI. These are similar to the adapters. These are quite flexible and are used in large places.

The installation of GFCI must be taken care of by a trained electrician and a periodical inspection of this installation may be carried out for its efficient and flawless service.

Scott Rodgers is an author with great electrical experience all over the country. His stupendous guidance has created business opportunities for a lot of Glen Ellyn Electricians (Need one? click here!) and Hoffman Estates Electricians (Need one? click here!).