How a Reset Electrical Outlet Works
An electrical outlet with a reset button is a ground fault circuit interrupter equipped outlet. Though required in certain locations such as kitchen counters by the National Electrical Code, they can optionally be installed in place of any standard outlet. Does this Spark an idea?
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GFCI Operation
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GFCI outlets have a sensing transformer that constantly compares the electricity that travels through the hot wire and returns through the neutral wire. It the two amounts of power are different, it indicates a short to ground and the transformer sends power to the outlet's circuit breaker coil, which trips the breaker.
GFCI Purpose
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Normal electrical outlets can deliver a potentially fatal electrical shock faster than a standard circuit breaker can trip. GFCI outlets and circuit breakers are much more sensitive and can trip much faster, often preventing death or serious injury.
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GFCI Requirements
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GFCI breakers are required in many household locations by the NEC. These can be either GFCI circuit breakers in the home's circuit breaker panel or GFCI-equipped electrical outlets. Locations requiring GFCI protection include, but are not limited to, outlets serving kitchen counters and wet bars, outlets in bathroom areas and any outlets serving garages, sheds or other types of outbuildings.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit outlet image by Albert Lozano from Fotolia.com
