GFCI Outlet: ground fault circuit interrupter

Table of Contents

• What is GFCI outlet?
• How does a GFCI outlet work?
• Where is a GFCI outlet needed?
• Why does the GFCI outlet trip and what to do when it trips.
• GFCI not resetting, why?
• Benefits of installing GFCI outlet
• How to install the GFCI outlet?
• Cost of installing GFCI Outlet

What is GFCI outlet?

    A ground fault circuit interrupter outlet (GFCI outlet) is a safety device created to cut the circuit if the balance of incoming and outgoing current is abnormal. The GFCI outlet significantly reduces the risk of fatal burns and shock injuries by protecting electrical wire from overheating and potential fire. It also detects ground faults and interrupts current flow; however, it shouldn't be used to replace a fuse because it doesn't provide protection from overloading and short circuits.

It quickly finds any changes in the flow of electricity that are related to a ground fault, like when electricity passes through water or a person by accident. The GFCI significantly decreases the risk of electrical shock and possible harm by cutting power within milliseconds of detecting a fault.

GFCIs are essential for improving electrical safety in residential, commercial, and industrial environments. They are frequently found in restrooms, kitchens, and outdoor spaces where water and electricity may come into contact.

How does a GFCI outlet work?

◆ The GFCI is integrated into the outlet and continuously monitors the current passing through a circuit to detect changes in real-time.

◆ There are three holes in it: two are for the neutral and hot wires, and the third hole in the middle is for the ground wire.

◆ It will instantly stop the flow of power if it notices any alteration in the circuit's electrical flow.

◆ Therefore, the GFCI outlet will quickly sense the interruption and cut the power to protect electrical safety in the bathroom and beyond if, for example, you are using a hair dryer and it falls into a sink that is full of water.

Where is a GFCI outlet needed?

◆ When the electrical outlets are installed close to water, GFCI outlets are necessary.

◆ It's a good idea to install GFCI outlets in your kitchen, bathrooms, laundry rooms, pool house, etc.

◆ When a structure is under construction, being renovated, or undergoing maintenance, GFCI outlets should also be installed on temporary electrical systems.

◆ In addition to being a necessary precaution, the law also mandates that you install GFCI outlets throughout your house.

Image used courtesy of electrical-forensics

 Why does the GFCI outlet trip, and what to do when it trips?

◆ By immediately interrupting the flow of electricity from the outlet, the ground fault circuit interrupter fundamentally works to prevent ground faults.

◆ This is why routine testing is crucial to guarantee that the GFCI outlet is always operational.

◆ A licensed electrician should investigate the GFCI outlet further if it frequently trips, as this could indicate worn-out insulation, collected dust, or degraded wiring.

GFCI not resetting, why?

The number of causes behind "GFCI not resetting" are many; without checking your full system, you cannot declare the actual reason for the GFCI not resetting. The first cause could be that the fault is still existing on your system, and the second one could be that the GFCI is faulty.

Benefits of installing GFCI outlet.

Installing a GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlet provides essential safety benefits in any home or workspace. A GFCI outlet constantly monitors the flow of electricity and quickly shuts off power if it detects a ground fault, preventing electric shock and reducing the risk of electrical fires. These outlets are especially important in moisture-prone areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, garages, and outdoor spaces where the chance of accidental contact with water is high. 

GFCIs also protect appliances and wiring by interrupting dangerous electrical faults before they can cause damage. Overall, installing GFCI outlets is a simple and affordable upgrade that significantly enhances electrical safety and ensures compliance with modern electrical codes.

    1. To prevent electrical shocks

    2. To stop deadly electrical fires

    3. Avoid appliance damage. 

 

Fig: Back side of GFCI
Image used courtesy of electrical-forensics

How to install the GFCI outlet?

You have to go through the following steps for installing the GFCI receptacle.

1. Checking for GFCI protection at your home.

    Most states now mandate the installation of GFCI plugs in wet areas of homes, including laundry rooms, bathrooms, kitchens, garages, and other locations that may be vulnerable to electrical shocks brought on by moisture. So, check to determine if there are any GFCI outlets installed in your house.

2. Turn off the power

Shut off the electricity at the circuit breaker or fuse. Take off the wall plate and check the power status with a tester.

3. Remove the old outlet

    Take out the present outlet from the circuit box that the GFCI plug will replace. This will make two or more wires visible. Turn on the switch after making sure the wires are not touching one another. To find the wires that carry power, use a tester. Put a hot wire marker on that and turn off the power once more.

4. Install the GFCI outlet

    Two sets of wires with the labels "line" and "load" make up the GFCI outlet. Incoming power is carried by the line set, which also offers shock protection, and is distributed among additional outlets by the load set. Connect the power (black) wire to the line set and the load (white) wire to the GFCI outlet. For further security, wrap electrical tape around the connections and use a wire nut to secure them. The ground wire should now be connected to the green GFCI plug screw.

5. Put the GFCI plug back in the box and cover it again using a wall plate.

    Place the GFCI outlet into the box with caution, then install the wall plates appropriately.

Cost of installing GFCI Outlet

The actual cost of installing a GFCI outlet will depend upon several factors. Such as, in which area of the globe are you going to install it? The installation location also must be taken into consideration; it might be indoor or outdoor. In case of outdoor installation, the cost will be a little bit high because it requires the weather protection arrangement. The newly installing and the replacing GFCI outlet cost will differ.