Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter Gfci Definition

A gfci or ground fault circuit interrupter is a safety device intended to prevent electrical shock by detecting an improper flow of electrical current and shutting the electrical circuit off very quickly in milliseconds.

Ground fault circuit interrupter gfci definition.

It works by comparing the amount of current going to and returning from equipment along the circuit conductors. There is a class a gfci that trips when a ground fault current exceeds 5 milliamps and there is a class b gfci that trips when a ground fault current. The basic definition of a ground fault circuit interrupter gfci is a general use device whose function is to interrupt the electric circuit to a load within an established period of time. Because of this we need to understand what a gfci is how it works and what its limitations are.

A residual current device rcd residual current circuit breaker rccb or ground fault circuit interrupter gfci is a device that quickly breaks an electrical circuit to prevent serious harm from an ongoing electric shock. Before the widespread adoption of gfci ground fault circuit interrupter outlets around 800 people died annually in the united states. Ground fault circuit interrupters gfcis or gfis are safety devices built into outlets that protect against electrical shock. The ground fault circuit interrupter or gfci is a fast acting circuit breaker designed to shut off electric power in the event of a ground fault within as little as 1 40 of a second.

We need only to look to the nec for the definition of a gfci. A ground fault circuit interrupter is an electrical device installed to protect against severe electric shocks. Injury may still occur in some cases for example if a human falls after receiving a shock or if the person touches both conductors at the same time which an rcd won t. Their circuitry monitors electrical input.

Let s end the confusion with the definition and description of ground fault and ground fault circuit interrupters gfi gfci. When a ground fault occurs the gfci quickly in a fraction of a second shuts off the power. While both gfi and gfci refer to basically the same thing a device that breaks the current when ground interference is detected there is a slight difference. A ground fault circuit interrupter gfci or residual current device rcd is a type of circuit breaker which shuts off electric power when it senses an imbalance between the outgoing and incoming current.

Gfci s could also reduce electrocutions and minimize electrical burns and shock injuries.