Gfci Breakers & Outlets; Gfci Outlet - Monaco DIPLOMAT 2004 Owner's Manual

DIPLOMAT 2004
GFCI Breakers &
Outlets
060072

GFCI Outlet

8 •312
A ground fault circuit interrupter "GFCI" can be found in two different
types of applications. One type is incorporated in a breaker used in 120 Volt
AC breaker panels, the other is incorporated in an outlet. The GFCI, whether
it is a breaker or an outlet, offer two types of protection. One type of pro-
tection is from over-current or shorts. It also provides protection for persons
against hazardous ground fault currents which can result in injury or death.
Ground fault currents are currents that flow from the "HOT" or power termi-
nal through a person to the ground. For example, touching a faulty appliance
while standing on or making contact with an electrical ground such as a
water fixture, bath tub or the earth. If the device has been properly installed
it will offer protection against the type of shock that can result from faulty
insulation, wet wiring from inside an appliance, or any device or equipment
plugged in or wired to that circuit. The "ground fault" portion of the outlet or
breaker uses sensitive electronics inside the outlet or breaker to detect a
ground fault problem. The electronics monitor the normal current of power,
flowing to the "hot" or black wire through the load (eg. a light bulb or appli-
ance) and coming back on the "neutral" or white wire. If just a small amount
of the current comes back on the safety ground wire the electronics will
"trip" the breaker or outlet, stopping the flow of electricity. The amount of
current it takes to trip the device from a ground fault varies slightly from
the different outlet or breaker manufacturers (approximately 30 mils or
less). Electrical shocks resulting from ground faults can be felt, but such a
shock is considerably less than one without ground fault protection. People
with heart conditions, or other conditions that make them susceptible to
shock, can still be seriously injured. A GFCI outlet or breaker will not protect
against shock from a normal current flow. For example, a shock from touch-
ing both metal prongs of an electrical cord or appliance while plugging it in.
WARNING: If a breaker or outlet trips continually DO NOT
continue to reset breaker or outlet until the problem has been
identified and corrected.
NOTE: The ground fault outlet or breaker should be tested once a
month to insure it is working properly. Use the "TEST" button on
the outlet or breaker. It should trip with an audible "click." The
breaker or outlet will not trip if no AC power is present to the
device. If power is present and the device will not "trip," replace
it before using that circuit.
NOTE: One mil is 1/1000 of one amp.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS - HOUSE