Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters Save Lives

Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters Save

LivesBy: Victoria Wahnon

Instructor: Peggy SilverUniversal Design

04.19.2011

THE EVENTS…

•Two children in Texas were electrocuted and killed when a hair dryer fell into their tub.

•A 17 year old girl was electrocuted when she tried to plug in her laptop while in tub.

So GFCIs Were Created…The GFCIs are supposed to interrupt power

instantly if electrical current leaks from its proper path, reducing the risk of shock or electrocution.

The left slot is slightly larger than the right. The left slot is called "neutral," the right slot is called "hot" and the hole below them is called "ground."

If an appliance is working properly, all electricity that the appliance uses will flow from hot to neutral.

A GFCI monitors the amount of current flowing from hot to neutral. If there is any imbalance, it trips the circuit.

Many Had to Be Updated…

NEC Made Requirements…Codes were made for the safety of all

users in commercial AND residential spaces.

Let’s take a look…

KITCHENS:In kitchens, GFCI units must be all

along countertop regardless of where the sink is located. It does not include fifteen inches above finished floor.

BATHROOMS:In bathroom dwelling units, a receptacle

outlet to be located within three feet of each bathroom lavatory used in a dwelling unit such as private homes, assisted living facilities, apartments, and hotels.

In ANY public bathrooms, all outlets must be GFCI regardless of sink location.

LAUNDRY: In the laundry room, if a sink is

present, any electrical outlet six feet from it must be GFCI.