The Purpose of GFCI
- GFCIs help keep people safe from electrical shocks, which can range from a very minor pain to electrocution. When a GFCI cuts power, the short (ground fault) has already occurred, but often the person is saved from serious injury.
- A GFCI prevents many dangers by stopping the flow of electricity before it can do significant damage. An unprotected short almost always damages the object the electricity passes through, and it can even cause an electrical fire.
- U.S. law now requires GFCI outlets in these locations: bathrooms, garage walls, kitchens, crawlspaces and most outdoor settings.
Depending on where a person is shocked and how long the shock lasts, any current over 6 to 9 milliamps can be dangerous. GFCI outlets cut power if the current loss is 5 milliamps or more.
GFCI receptacles are the most used GFCIs in residential applications, though there are GFCI circuit breakers and portable GFCI options such as enclosed units and extension cords.
