Ground-fault circuit-interrupters (GFCI) are safety devices. They deenergize a circuit, or a portion thereof, when the current to ground exceeds a predetermined value that is less than that required to operate the overcurrent protective device of the supply circuit. These devices are available as receptacles and circuit breakers.

A GFCI protection device operates on the principle that a hot and neutral current runs through a sensitive coil (current transformer). If a ground-fault is encountered on the load side of the device, current on the hot and neutral will be different, thereby activating the shunt-trip mechanism.

GFCI protection devices offer an additional degree of protection to persons. This kind of protection device will sense a ground-fault of approximately 5 mA (milliamperes). Electric shock generally begins at 10 - 30 mA. Since 1971, the NEC has been expanding the requirements of GFCI protection for receptacle outlets. Consult a qualified electrician.

Use GFCI protection in the:

• bathroom
• garage
• along kitchen countertops
• wet bar countertops within 6 feet of sink
• outdoors
• laundry room
• unfinished basement
• crawl space