Gfci Breakers & Outlets - Holiday Navigator 2003 Owner's Manual

Electrical Systems - House
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GFCI BREAKERS
& OUTLETS
060072
GFCI Outlet.
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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 protection
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 terminal
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 prob-
lem. The electronics monitor the normal current of power, flowing to the "hot"
or black wire through the load (eg. a light bulb or appliance) 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 shocks, 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 touching 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 ensure 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.
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