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A "GFCI"
is a ground fault circuit interrupter. A ground fault
circuit interrupter is an inexpensive electrical device that, if
installed in household branch circuits, could prevent over
two-thirds of the approximately 300 electrocutions still occurring
each year in and around the home. Installation of the device could
also prevent thousands of burn and electric shock injuries each
year. Because a GFCI detects ground faults, it can also
prevent some electrical fires and reduce the severity of others by
interrupting the flow of electric current.
THE GFCI & ARC FAULT PROBLEM
An unintentional electric path between a source of current and a
grounded surface is referred to as a "ground-fault."
Ground faults occur when current is leaking somewhere, in
effect, electricity is escaping to the ground. How it leaks is very
important. If your body provides a path to the ground for this
leakage, you could be injured, burned, severely shocked, or
electrocuted and killed. See examples here
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HOW THE GFCI WORKS
In the home's wiring system, the GFCI constantly monitors
electricity flowing in a circuit, to sense any loss of current. If
the current flowing through the circuit differs by a small amount
from that returning, the GFCI quickly switches off power to
that circuit. The GFCI interrupts power faster than a blink
of an eye to prevent a lethal dose of electricity. You may receive a
painful shock, but you should not be electrocuted or receive a
serious shock injury.
TESTING YOUR GROUND & ARC FAULT SYSTEM
All GFCI's and Arc Fault's should be tested once a month to
make sure they are working properly and are protecting you from
fatal shock. They should be tested after installation to make sure
they are working properly and protecting the circuit. To test the
receptacle GFCI, first plug a nightlight or lamp into the
outlet. The light should be on Then, press the "TEST" button on the
GFCI. The GFCI's "RESET" button should pop out, and
the light should go out.
If the "RESET" button pops out but the light does not go out, the
GFCI has been improperly wired. Contact a Sens Electrician to
correct the wiring errors.
If the "RESET" button does not pop out, the GFCI is defective
and should be replaced.
If the GFCI is functioning properly, and the lamp goes out,
press the "RESET" button to restore power to the outlet.
Sens Mechanical would be more than happy assist you with any
GFCI and Arc Fault and make sure they properly. Call us today
at 410-629-0777 for a free consultation. |
