Ground Fault Circuit Interruption (GFCI) devices are required in bathrooms, kitchens, and other damp areas including basements, crawl spaces and outdoor applications. These devices offer an added level of protection against electrical fire and electrocution. They are more expensive than normal devices but the money spent may save your home, or the life of one of a family member.
The installation of a GFCI device is simple and straight forward. When working with any electrical project you must first make certain the power supply is turned off. This is best done at the breaker box. If proper precautions are not taken it can result in serious or even fatal injury. These types of modifications and installations are best left to a professional electrician or someone familiar with electrical components and systems.
What A GFCI Device Does
A GFCI device monitors the amount of current going from the device as well as the among of current returning to the device. If this current varies the GFCI device will be activated and remove the power from the device and any devices included on the same circuit.
A change in the amount of current returning to the device is an indication of a leak or short in the wiring. This could be caused by a faulty device, worn wire, or improperly wired device. A short can also be caused by moisture. This can be a minor build up of moisture or something more major such as a hair dryer being dropped into a bathtub filled with water.
A GFCI device cannot prevent all electrical shocks, but in almost all cases it can prevent the shock from being serious or fatal. Any electrical shock has risks and care must be taken when working with wiring or electrical components.
Wiring A GFCI Device
A GFCI device uses the same wiring as a standard device. There will be three wire strands coming to the device. These will be white, black and green. The green wire is the ground and could be a bare copper wire. In some instances the black wire is replaced with a red wire. The black/red wire carries the current and is considered the hot leg of the circuit. The white wire is the neutral leg of the circuit.
The hot wire will be secured to the post on the lower right side of the device. The neutral wire will be secured on the opposite side of the device. The ground wire must be secured to the green ground screw on the device.
Monthly Testing Of GFCI Devices
On the front of the GFCI device will be two small buttons. One will be marked "test" the other "reset". If there is a problem the "reset" button will be pushed out slightly. Check the circuit for obvious problems before attempting to reset it. The test button should be used on a monthly basis to insure the device is working properly. If the test fails the device will need to be replaced.
