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.
Furthermore, today’s market posses three types of GFCI outlets that is receptacle type, circuit breaker type and the portable type.
Let us first discuss about the receptacle type. It is the most common type of the GFCI outlet and looks similar to the ordinary electrical switch outlet. It consists of two small buttons marked test and reset. As soon as the test button is pressed, GFCI trips and disconnect the power to anything plugged into the receptacle. These are found throughout the house.
Instead of having multiple receptacle GFCI outlets, people install single circuit breaker type GFCI at the main panel of the house. Also, these perform the dual function. Firstly, they prevent the appliances from blowing off by shutting down the power. Next, the save the appliances in an event of short circuit or overload conditions. These are installed at the main circuit board of the home.
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.
One more type of portable GFCI are available in the market that consists of an extension cord attached with the GFCI. This look like an adapter where the plug is connected to the adapter and not to the protected device.
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 ample electrical experience all over the country. His splendid guidance has generated business opportunities for a lot of Glen Ellyn Electricians and Hoffman Estates Electricians .
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