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Ground fault circuit interrupters have been around for several decades. They first came on the scene in 1955 when Henri Rubin invented one to detect ground faults in South African mines. The idea was expanded by Charles Dalziel six years later, and the concept of a ground fault circuit interrupter was born. Their widespread use began in the 1970s as a necessary safety measure for most homes.
The idea behind a ground fault circuit interrupter is protection from electric shock. This happens whenever you come into physical contact with a high-voltage source. Some common ways of getting an electric shock include faulty appliances, extension leads, frayed or damaged electric cords, or any appliances or cords that come into direct contact with water. You can also get it from bad wiring, lightning, or downed power lines.
Another way to get an electric shock is through indirect contact with an electric conductor and ground or grounded equipment frame, where a faulty current runs through. Ground faults are usually the result of worn insulation. This makes it easier for water and other conductors to help create hazardous conditions that result in shock.
You can minimize your chances of shock by not coming into contact with water when touching an outlet or plugging in a cord. But sometimes electric shock is unavoidable, and that’s where ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) come in handy.
GFCIs act by detecting changes in the amount of electricity that’s flowing in and out of a circuit. The amount can be as miniscule as 4 or 5 milliamps in most cases. Although this may seem insignificant, it is important because even the tiniest electric shock can be dangerous to humans.
What Are Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters?
Ground fault circuit interrupters are fast-acting devices designed to protect you from shock. They act by shutting off the power in as little as 1/40th of a second. GFCIs recognize and compare the amount of electric current that comes and goes from appliances and electronics along the circuit conductors. GFCIs can be installed as part of an electricity system or within a power cord. There are three types of GFCIs: circuit breaker, wall receptacle, and portable plug-in.
Circuit Breaker
Circuit breakers are electrical safety devices that protect your circuits from any damage that’s caused by an overcurrent or a surge. Unlike fuses, circuit breakers do not need to be replaced. All you have to do is reset them by flipping each switch to the “off” position, wait for a couple of minutes, and then flip them back into the “on” position to reset your power.
Circuit breakers come in many sizes from small breakers designed to handle low currents or appliances to larger boxes, also known as switchgear. The latter is designed to handle larger loads. Low-voltage switchgear is used in several industrial settings and is good for power distribution transformers that use a maximum voltage of 1kV. Medium-voltage switchgear handles loads that range between 1kV and 35kV and is best for generators, feeder circuits, and motors. It can also be used in transmission and distribution lines. High-voltage switchgear can handle up to 1,100kV of voltage and is best for handling power in several buildings. The most common uses for high-voltage switchgear are on major campuses or large apartment complexes with multiple buildings. Other situations include power transformers for cities or towns.
Wall Receptacle
A wall receptacle, also known as a standard wall receptacle, is a device that’s installed inside a regular outlet to protect against shock. These devices are popular because of their reasonable prices and will protect from portable electrical device malfunctions. These devices are most commonly used in bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and outdoor spaces. Their primary function is to protect you from the impact of a power surge by automatically shutting off power to prevent shock. They typically have two buttons, test and reset. You can use the test button to see if the device works properly by plugging something in and clicking it. If the appliance doesn’t work, your receptacle is doing just fine. Pressing the reset button will help you restore power after water exposure.
Portable Plug-In
There are ground fault circuit interrupters that are mobile because they don’t need to be connected to your home electrical system. Known as portable plug-ins, these devices are equipped to be used with power cords to provide protection against electric shock, burns, and electrocution. They possess integrated circuit breaker technology that can sense a ground fault and instantly cut off power supply to your device.
Portable plug-ins are more commonly used with garden equipment such as lawn mowers and hedge trimmers. You can also use them with a variety of power tools like electric saws and drills. These plug-ins are deemed portable because you can plug them right into an outlet and remove them when you’re done using them. They are characterized by several receptacles at one end and one outlet plug that goes directly into a wall receptacle.
Should You Install and Test a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter?
The question of whether or not you should install and test ground fault circuit interrupters depends on the type of equipment you’re using. Portable GFCIs are easy to install because there is no wiring involved. But installing a wall receptacle or a circuit breaker is more complex because you’re dealing with wiring and other complex issues. In these cases, it’s best to hire a professional electrician or comfort consultant to do the work.
There are other reasons to hire an electrician to install and test new GFCI equipment. Homes with small children or adults with developmental disabilities may require tamper-proof GFCI equipment. If you live in an older home, chances are your outlets are missing vital protection against surges and shocks. Having your outlets upgraded to include GFCIs requires a trained professional.
Installation and testing require working with complex wiring, and this requires the expertise of a professional electrician or a comfort consultant. If you feel your home wiring is iffy or you aren’t sure if your outlets are safe, it may be time to schedule an inspection.
Another issue is outlets that leak cold or hot air from the outside. This usually happens when there are holes or cracks around the outlet’s frame. These leaks have an unfortunate impact on your home’s indoor climate during extreme weather and can cause your utility costs to rise. Gaskets can be installed as a temporary measure, but they can’t provide complete immunity from air leaks.
A comfort consultant can provide a better solution by replacing your outlets with airtight junction boxes, which can help seal those holes. They’re great for safeguarding against shocks by keeping the electricity inside. Junction boxes provide adequate coverage for your wires by guarding against corrosion.
Call the Pros!
At Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical, we know the value of quality work and expertise. Our team of comfort consultants provides services in many areas, including heating, air conditioning, and electrical service. We offer electrical panel installation and upgrades, repair, and surge protection services. Our comfort consultants work with generators, ceiling fans, and wiring. We can install or upgrade outlets, light switches, and GFCI outlets. We even work with electric car charging stations for your home or business in Charlotte, NC. Our expertise extends to smart devices because we know the right switches and outlets for them. Call today to learn more.
