gfcis and you
DESCRIPTION
This presentation is an overview of the GFCI or the ground fault circuit interrupter. The presentation lists and describes its functions, its advantages, and its different types. If you wish to get educated on how the GFCI can best serve your home, take a look at our presentation. This presentation is part of an ongoing series of educational media created and maintained by B.K. Electric Services, to help educate the public on electrical concepts and what electricians do.TRANSCRIPT
- 1.By B.K. Electric Services GFCIs and You
2. First Things First A circuit is what allows electricity to get from Point A to Point B. A ground fault is when the electricity jumps the wire and wants to travel down to the ground in the fastest way possible. Sometimes the fastest way possible involves a person, who unfortunately, lights up like a Christmas tree, which can hurt, maim, or kill. 3. Hey. You awake? Hello? Unconscious from being shocked. So no. Not awake. 4. Can It Happen To You? Most people dont expect to get shocked on a daily basis since they think their homes are fortresses. But there are quite a few appliances in the kitchen, including microwaves, blenders, toasters, and maybe a mini TV to watch your shows. Assume your doing your dishes and water is splashing about. It begins to pool underneath the mini TV. You reach over to change the channel and. Youre now on your way to the hospital. 5. So what is a GFCI? A GFCI stands for Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter. They are always installed where outlets are expected to be near water sources. Kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, etc. The National Electric Code requires that all homes be equipped with GFCI outlets. Why? Maybe it has something to do with the fact that over 300 people annually suffer shock from their outlets. 6. How Do GFCIs work? The typical GFCI has three holes: the center hole is connected to the ground. the right slot is the neutral wire. the left slot is the hot wire. The GFCI has a built-in sensor that monitors the flow of current on each of the wires. If there is any sort of imbalance, the device shuts off the electricity in about 1/30th of a second. 7. Fire Prevention We know that ground faults are nothing more than loose electricity trying to find the shortest way possible to the ground. But loose electricity can burn fuses or combust other materials in your home to create a fire that could harm you or your family. GFCIs prevent this by sensing for any loss of electricity and immediately shutting off the power before any fire can develop. GFCIs: A REAL American Hero 8. Types of GFCIs The RECEPTACLE is installed wherever old and obsolete outlets used to be. If the GFCI is the first of a branch of outlets, the GFCI provides protection for all those outlets. The CIRCUIT BREAKER is used where homes have circuit breakers instead of fuse boxes. This type is added to circuit breakers boxes and works much like a fuse. The PORTABLE is built into extension cord devices and provides GFCI-like protection to all devices connected to it. 9. Questions? Feel free to leave us your comments in the comment section If you have any questions related to GFCIs, their installation, or any other electrical queries, contact us at: (310) 430 2300 [email protected] Or visit us at www.bkelectricservices.com