GFCI: Difference between revisions
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GFCI is US/Canada-specific terminology. The more general term is residual-current circuit breaker (RCCD) [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Residual-current_device] | |||
{{Hint|Do not listen to this information as it may be incorrect or misleading, and the topic covered relates to electrical safety. There is a risk of personal injury or death if one does not understand what they are doing with electricity}} | {{Hint|Do not listen to this information as it may be incorrect or misleading, and the topic covered relates to electrical safety. There is a risk of personal injury or death if one does not understand what they are doing with electricity}} | ||
=Notes= | =Notes= | ||
*Note that a GFCI does NOT protect against overcurrent or overload. Thus, a device that uses a GFCI must have a circuit breaker upstream of it to prevent overload or fire hazard. | *Note that a GFCI does NOT protect against overcurrent or overload. Thus, a device that uses a GFCI must have a circuit breaker upstream of it to prevent overload or fire hazard. | ||
=Protecting Downstream Outlets= | |||
A useful feature of a GFCI outlet is that if you connect outlets downstream through the GFCI - the downstream outlets will also be protected with the GFCI functionality. See: | |||
<html><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ps3k2mdjgek" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></html> | |||
=Data Collection= | =Data Collection= | ||
I just got shocked from a functioning GFCI, so this is a real data point. I tested the GFCI with the test button. It works. Then I touched a part (3D Printer heat bed) that had a frayed wire (not intentionally). I think what happened was that I got no shock when touching with one hand, but then I touched it with my second hand on another part of the 3D Printer bed - which I am led to believe closed the circuit to a return wire. The GFCI did not trip. I don't fully understand what exactly happened, but this answer is consistent with me closing the circuit, so there was no leakage to ground. I think if the device were grounded, a breaker would have tripped, so it looks like grounding a GFCI-protected device is a good idea. | I just got shocked from a functioning GFCI, so this is a real data point. I tested the GFCI with the test button. It works. Then I touched a part (3D Printer heat bed) that had a frayed wire (not intentionally). I think what happened was that I got no shock when touching with one hand, but then I touched it with my second hand on another part of the 3D Printer bed - which I am led to believe closed the circuit to a return wire. The GFCI did not trip. I don't fully understand what exactly happened, but this answer is consistent with me closing the circuit, so there was no leakage to ground. I think if the device were grounded, a breaker would have tripped, so it looks like grounding a GFCI-protected device is a good idea. | ||
See Stack Exchange - https://diy.stackexchange.com/questions/ | See Stack Exchange - https://diy.stackexchange.com/questions/10666/is-it-possible-to-be-electrocuted-from-a-properly-functioning-gfci-circuit/ | ||
=Sourcing= | =Sourcing= | ||
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[http://www.amazon.com/Tower-Manufacturing-30339005-3-Wire-Adapter/dp/B000P8COIS/ref=sr_1_6?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1342068173&sr=1-6&keywords=gfci+plug GFCI Adapter (Standard Male and Female Plug Ends)] | [http://www.amazon.com/Tower-Manufacturing-30339005-3-Wire-Adapter/dp/B000P8COIS/ref=sr_1_6?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1342068173&sr=1-6&keywords=gfci+plug GFCI Adapter (Standard Male and Female Plug Ends)] | ||
=By Country= | |||
*UK version - [https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00KGSFYS4/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?smid=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&psc=1] | |||
=Links= | =Links= | ||
*[[GFCI Outlets]] | *[[GFCI Outlets]] | ||
Latest revision as of 22:12, 15 August 2020
GFCI is US/Canada-specific terminology. The more general term is residual-current circuit breaker (RCCD) [1]
Hint: Do not listen to this information as it may be incorrect or misleading, and the topic covered relates to electrical safety. There is a risk of personal injury or death if one does not understand what they are doing with electricity
Notes
- Note that a GFCI does NOT protect against overcurrent or overload. Thus, a device that uses a GFCI must have a circuit breaker upstream of it to prevent overload or fire hazard.
Protecting Downstream Outlets
A useful feature of a GFCI outlet is that if you connect outlets downstream through the GFCI - the downstream outlets will also be protected with the GFCI functionality. See:
Data Collection
I just got shocked from a functioning GFCI, so this is a real data point. I tested the GFCI with the test button. It works. Then I touched a part (3D Printer heat bed) that had a frayed wire (not intentionally). I think what happened was that I got no shock when touching with one hand, but then I touched it with my second hand on another part of the 3D Printer bed - which I am led to believe closed the circuit to a return wire. The GFCI did not trip. I don't fully understand what exactly happened, but this answer is consistent with me closing the circuit, so there was no leakage to ground. I think if the device were grounded, a breaker would have tripped, so it looks like grounding a GFCI-protected device is a good idea.
See Stack Exchange - https://diy.stackexchange.com/questions/10666/is-it-possible-to-be-electrocuted-from-a-properly-functioning-gfci-circuit/
Sourcing
GFCI Plug (Needs to be Wired at 1 End)
GFCI Adapter (Standard Male and Female Plug Ends)
By Country
- UK version - [2]