ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION

AND MAINTENANCE (EIM) 6

INSTALL WIRING DEVICES OF FLOOR AND WALL MOUNTED
OUTLETS, LIGHTING FIXTURES/SWITCHES, AND AUXILIARY
OUTLETS
GROUND FAULT CIRCUIT
INTERRUPTER (GFCI)
OBJECTIVES

1. Explain the theory of operation,

connection and purpose of Ground Fault
Circuit Interrupting (GFCI) Device
2. Compare and contrast the types of GFCI
3. Demonstrate how GFCI works
4. Believe on the importance of GFCI
 WHAT IS A GROUND FAULT?

 A ground fault is an unintentional electrical

path between a power source and a grounded
surface.
 Ground faults most often occur when
equipment is damaged or defective, such that
live electrical parts are no longer adequately
protected from unintended contact.
 If your body provides a path to the ground for
this current, you could be burned, severely
shocked or electrocuted.
 WHAT IS GFCI?

Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) is a device

intended for the protection of personnel that
functions to de-energize a circuit or portion thereof
within an established period of time when a current to
ground exceeds the values established for a Class A
device (Class A ground-fault circuit interrupters trip
when the current to ground has a value in the range of
4 mA to 6 mA.
 WHAT IS GFCI?

 A ground fault circuit interrupter, called a GFCI or GFI, is an electrical device

that can either be installed in your electrical system or built into a power
cord to protect you from severe electrical shocks.
 GFCIs have played a key role in reducing electrocutions.
 Greater use of GFCIs could further reduce electrocutions and mitigate
thousands of electrical burn and shock injuries still occurring in and around
the home each year.
 Ground fault protection is integrated into GFCI receptacles and GFCI circuit
breakers for installation into your electrical system, especially for circuit
outlets in particularly vulnerable areas such as where electrical equipment
is near water.
WHAT IS GFCI?

The NEC requirement that all outside outlets be

GFCI-protected can be met with GFCI receptacles,
but they are vulnerable to:
Water from rain,
Snow,
Lawn sprinklers, and
Condensation.
 HOW GFCI WORKS?

A GFCI constantly monitors current flowing through a circuit.

If the current flowing into the circuit differs by a very small
amount (as little as 0.005 amperes) from the returning
current, the GFCI interrupts power faster than a blink of an
eye to prevent a lethal dose of electricity.
GFCIs are designed to operate before the electricity can
affect your heartbeat. A GFCI works even on two-slot
receptacles.
 DISADVANTAGES OF GFCI

 After a ground fault has been detected, a GFCI circuit

breaker will disable the entire branch circuit. The branch
circuit will remain inoperative until someone finds and
corrects the fault and then goes to the load center to reset
the circuit breaker manually. This can be awkward and
time-consuming.
 Spurious Trips
 HOW GFCI WORKS?

 Here's an example:
 A bare wire inside an appliance touches its metal
case.
 The case is then charged with electricity.
 If you touch the appliance with one hand while
another part of your body is touching a grounded
metal object, such as a water faucet, you will get
shocked.
 If the appliance is plugged into an outlet protected by
a GFCI, the power will be shut off before a fatal shock
can occur.
 TYPES OF GFCI
1. Circuit Breaker Type
2. Outlet/Receptacle Type
3. Portable Type
 CIRCUIT BREAKER GFCI

 * A circuit breaker with a built-in

GFCI may be installed in a panel box
to add protection to the circuits it
supplies.
 * Protects against both a ground
fault and a circuit overload
 * Protects the wiring and every
outlet, lighting fixture, or appliance
on the branch circuit that it supplies.
 RECEPTACLE GFCI
 * Used in place of the standard duplex receptacle.
 * Fits into a standard outlet box and protects against ground-faults for
whatever is plugged into the outlet and other electrical outlets further
"down-stream" in the branch circuit.
 * Can even replace older ungrounded, two slot receptacles with new
GFCI receptacles.
 Must use supplied label “NO EQUIPMENT GROUND GFCI
PROTECTED” to identify that the receptacle is not grounded.
 * The Receptacle Type incorporates a GFCI device within one or more
receptacle outlets.
 Such devices are becoming popular because of their low cost.
RECEPTACLE GFCI
 PORTABLE GFCI

 Used where installed GFCIs are not practical.

 One type contains the GFCI circuitry in a plastic enclosure with plug blades in the back
and receptacle slots in the front. It can be plugged into a receptacle, then the electrical
product is plugged into the GFCI.
 Another type of portable GFCI is an extension cord combined with a GFCI. It adds
flexibility in using receptacles that are not protected by GFCIs.
 Portable Type GFCIs come in several styles, all designed for easy transport. Some are
designed to plug into existing non-GFCI outlets, or connect with a cord and plug
arrangement. The portable type also incorporates a no-voltage release device that will
disconnect power to the outlets if any supply conductor is open. Units approved for
outdoor use will be in enclosures suitable for the environment. If exposed to rain, they
must be listed as waterproof.
 PORTABLE GFCI

A. The Cord-Connected

Type of GFCI is an
attachment plug
incorporating the GFCI
module. It protects the
cord and any equipment
attached to the cord.
 PORTABLE GFCI

 B. Plug Type.
 The attachment plug has a non-
standard appearance with test and
reset buttons.
 Like the portable type, it incorporates a
no-voltage release device that will
disconnect power to the load if any
supply conductor is open.
 HOW TO INSTALL GFCI?

 Circuit breaker and receptacle-type GFCIs may be installed in your home by

a qualified and skilled electrician.
 Receptacle-type GFCIs may be installed by consumers with adequate
knowledge and skills to conform to proper electrical wiring practices and
the instructions accompanying the device.
 When in doubt about the proper procedure, contact a qualified electrician;
do not attempt to install it yourself.
 A portable GFCI gets plugged into a receptacle just like any other cord-and-
plug-connected device.
 HOW TO TEST GFCI?

Test every GFCI:  If you do not have the instructions follow

this procedure:
 After installation.
 At least once a month.
 After a power failure.
 According to the
manufacturer’s
instructions.
 Plug a lamp into the outlet and turn
the lamp on.
 Press the GFCI’s test button. Did the
light go out? If not, the GFCI is not
working or has not been correctly
installed. Contact a qualified electrician
to correct the wiring and/or replace the
defective GFCI.
 Press the reset button. Did the light
come back on? If not, replace the GFCI.
QUESTIONS?
CLARIFICATIONS?
SUMMARY/GENERALIZATION/VALUING

What is a GFCI?
What are the types of GFCI?
How does a GFCI works?
What particular application and
installation a GFCI is very important?
Why?
 SELF-CHECK (2 POINTS EACH)

 1. A device that de-energizes a circuit or a portion of a circuit

within an established time frame when a current to ground
exceeds the values determined for a Class A device is which of
the following:
 A. Circuit breaker
 B. Ground-Fault Circuit interrupter
 C. Fuse
 D. Voltage regulator switch
SELF-CHECK (2 POINTS EACH)

2. Class A ground-fault circuit interrupters trip

when the current to ground has a value in the
range of.
A.4 mA to 5 mA
B. 4 mA to 6 mA
C. 3 mA to 5 mA
D.3 mA to 6 mA
 SELF-CHECK (2 POINTS EACH)

 3. Which of the following is true about Ground Fault Circuit

Interrupter (GFCI) outlets?
 A. GFCIs are used to protect us from electrical shocks.
B. A GFCI monitors the amount of current flowing and trips the
circuit if there is an imbalance.
C. Under most building codes, GFCIs are now required in areas with
a lot of moisture, such as bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and
outdoors.
D. All of the above
SELF-CHECK (2 POINTS EACH)

4. Under most building codes, GFCIs are now

required in areas with a lot of moisture except
A. Bathrooms and Kitchens
C. Laundry rooms, and outdoors
C. Outdoors
D. Stockroom
SELF-CHECK (2 POINTS EACH)

5. A GFCI that protects against both a ground fault and

a circuit overload and also protects the wiring and
every outlet, lighting fixture, or appliance on the
branch circuit that it supplies.
A. Portable GFCI
B. Receptacle GFCI
C. Circuit Breaker GFCI
D. All of these
SELF-CHECK (2 POINTS EACH)

6. A GFCI that can be used in place of the standard

duplex receptacle..
A. Portable GFCI
B. Receptacle GFCI
C. Circuit Breaker GFCI
D. All of these
SELF-CHECK (2 POINTS EACH)

7. Receptacle GFCI fits into a standard outlet box and

protects against ground-faults for whatever is plugged
into the outlet and other electrical outlets further
____________________in the branch circuit.
 A. upstream
 B. downstream
 C. series
 D. parallel
SELF-CHECK (2 POINTS EACH)

8. It is an unintentional electrical path between a

power source and a grounded surface.
A. overload
B. Short circuit
C. ground fault
D. overcurrent
SELF-CHECK (2 POINTS EACH)

 9. A GFCI that is to be used where installed GFCIs are

not practical.
A.Portable GFCI
B.Receptacle GFCI
C. Circuit Breaker GFCI
D.All of these
SELF-CHECK (2 POINTS EACH)

10. Major disadvantage associated with GFCI

protection is
A. frequent replacement
B. Spurious Trips
C. High Cost
D. Difficult to set
SELF-CHECK (2 POINTS EACH)

11. GFCI protection circuit responds when

current returning to the outlet from the
appliance is less than the input current to the
appliance.
A. True
B. False
SELF-CHECK (2 POINTS EACH)

12. GFCI Protection is primarily meant for the

protection against which of the following:
A. Fire Hazards
B. Shock Hazards
C. Both Fire and Shock Hazards
SELF-CHECK (2 POINTS EACH)

12. GFCI devices must detect leakage current as

small as approximately ____:
A. 50 mA
B. 1 mA
C. 5 mA
D. 25 mA
SELF-CHECK (2 POINTS EACH)

13. GFCI Protection shall be provided in

areas where electrical circuits can come
in contact with water:
A. True
B. False
SELF-CHECK (2 POINTS EACH)

14. Which of the following GFCIs are frequently

used in construction and in outdoor settings with
electric tools, mowers, and similar devices
A.Temporary or Plug in GFCI
B. Receptacle Type GFCI
C. Circuit Breaker Type
D.All of these
SELF-CHECK (2 POINTS EACH)

15. GFCI Protection interrupt the circuit as fast as

____ to prevent possibly lethal electrical shock
A. 25 msec
B. 10 msec
C. 100 msec
D. 60 msec
SELF-CHECK (2 POINTS EACH)

 16. ____ GFCI receptacles be placed in kitchens where

many different high-current-drawing portable
appliances are present.
 A. 20 A
 B. 30 A
 C. 15 A
 D. 25 A
REFERENCE

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=3&v=yY_-Gtt0OwA
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=3&v=yY_-Gtt0OwA