GFCI
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]
