Gfci - MULTIQUIP GA-Series Service Manual

A ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) is a small device that compares the amount of electricity flowing
to and from the tool used on the generator. If there is a difference of more then 5 milliamps (.005 amps)
the GFCI opens the circuit.
1. A GFCI is not a tool tester. The GFCI does not have the sensitivity, detection circuits, nor the
polarity, reversal features needed to perform the function of a tool tester. The GFCI makes an
excellent life protection device, but a very poor tool tester.
2. A GFCI does not prevent shocks. The GFCI is only operated when a ground fault occurs.
Someone using the equipment might receive a shock, but it will be a very short duration (1/30 of
a second). There is a chance that a shock, even of this short duration, might cause someone to
experience a fall or similar injury, but electrocution will normally be prevented.
3. A GFCI does not prevent all electrocutions. The GFCI reacts to electric current flowing from
the power line to ground. It does not react to current flow between power lines. In other words,
the GFCI will react to someone standing in water and comes in contact with one of the power
lines. It will not protect someone who is hold the neutral power line in one hand and hot wire with
the other.
4. A GFCI does not replace fuses or circuit breakers. Fuses and circuit breakers are designed
to protect equipment and power lines by reacting to excessive current flow, normally in the order
of 15 to 20 amps.
5. GFCI's are designed to protect people by reacting to leakage currents to ground in the order of
.005 amps. Except in the case of GFCI / circuit breaker combinations sold to be installed in
building installations, they are separate devices performing separate functions.
The GFCI will work and perform its function with or without the tool being grounded, but the ground
system is an important safety feature and should always be maintained and retested on a regular basis.
Further, if a ground fault should occur, the leakage current will pass down the ground wire and trip the
GFCI without the operator receiving a shock at all. So YES – please retain the ground system.
There are two methods of testing GFCI's. All GFCI's sold in this country are provided with a test and
reset button. During maintenance intervals simply plug a tool in to the GFCI and press the test button.
The tool should turn-off and the reset button should pop-out. Depressing the reset button should restart
the equipment. This is an adequate test for most applications.
To measure the actual trip current of a GFCI requires a GFCI tester. The tester allows you to read the
actual GFCI trip current on a meter, identifying the GFCI's that do not operate within the required four to
six milliamp range.
One test that should not be performed on GFCI's is a high load test. The GFCI contains small electronic
parts that are damaged if high voltages are applied to them. DO NOT test any GFCI on a HI-POT,
dialectic, or Doyle type tester.
What is a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter?
What are the limits of a GFCI?
There are several limitations that you should be aware of
Is the ground wire still needed?
How can we be sure the GFCI is working?
Multiquip Inc. ◦ GA Series Generators ◦ Manual No. GAGENSM
G F C I
G F C I