Understanding GFIs and the Way They Work
Most homes built nowadays come furnished with GFIs, or ground fault circuit interrupters. They're commonly set up in areas which are prone to the dangers of electrical shock hazards, such as in the bathroom, in the kitchen around the sink area, around Jacuzzis, saunas or pools, in the garage, or in connection with outdoor fixtures. Generally, the GFIs are utilized wherever there's a chance that moisture, water, or even water pipes can come into connection with the electrical circuit. Even though many people realize why the GFIs are utilized, they don't necessarily understand precisely what they may be or how they help keep you and the home safe.
How Does a GFI Work?
Basically, a sensor within the GFI is designed to detect variations in the electrical current being supplied into an appliance, by comparing the current that flows both to and from your appliance. When there is a difference detected it could indicate that there's a problem, so a relay is tripped which shuts off the current. It takes place quickly, and in some cases you will just feel a tiny shock before the power is safely shut off. After a GFI is tripped, you will have to reset it, unless it is made to automatically reset itself when the circuit problem has become resolved.
Types of GFIs
There's more than one kind of GFI which can be used in your home. The variety that is most frequently used will be the GFI outlet. These are set up in place of a typical outlet in dangerous areas, such as near the kitchen sink and in the bathroom. When a GFI outlet is installed, it's going to protect any appliance that is then plugged into it. A single GFI outlet might be wired to protect other outlets linked to it. Although installing a GFI outlet is often within the arena of what can be handled by the do-it-yourself homeowner, many people would prefer to have a licensed electrician install them so that they know these are properly installed and tested. You can also find GFI circuit breakers which were made to be able to protect a full circuit. Generally, they are installed when replacing the standard circuit board breaker. For example, if one circuit breaker controls every electrical outlet in the bathroom, replacing it using a GFI circuit breaker can be an easier option as compared to installing multiple GFI outlets in your bathroom. The GFI circuit breaker must be carefully matched with the electrical panel, so the installation is really a job for the licensed electrician. When the GFI circuit breaker has been tripped, it's going to have to be turned off then switched back on again as a way to reset it. You can also purchase a portable GFI which connects to any electric outlet that you'd like to safeguard. These may be handy, especially if you will work on something which needs temporary protection. You can also find small appliances like hair dryers which have portable GFIs included in the cord.
If you have any questions regarding your electrical needs, be sure to speak to a licensed electrician.
How Does a GFI Work?
Basically, a sensor within the GFI is designed to detect variations in the electrical current being supplied into an appliance, by comparing the current that flows both to and from your appliance. When there is a difference detected it could indicate that there's a problem, so a relay is tripped which shuts off the current. It takes place quickly, and in some cases you will just feel a tiny shock before the power is safely shut off. After a GFI is tripped, you will have to reset it, unless it is made to automatically reset itself when the circuit problem has become resolved.
Types of GFIs
There's more than one kind of GFI which can be used in your home. The variety that is most frequently used will be the GFI outlet. These are set up in place of a typical outlet in dangerous areas, such as near the kitchen sink and in the bathroom. When a GFI outlet is installed, it's going to protect any appliance that is then plugged into it. A single GFI outlet might be wired to protect other outlets linked to it. Although installing a GFI outlet is often within the arena of what can be handled by the do-it-yourself homeowner, many people would prefer to have a licensed electrician install them so that they know these are properly installed and tested. You can also find GFI circuit breakers which were made to be able to protect a full circuit. Generally, they are installed when replacing the standard circuit board breaker. For example, if one circuit breaker controls every electrical outlet in the bathroom, replacing it using a GFI circuit breaker can be an easier option as compared to installing multiple GFI outlets in your bathroom. The GFI circuit breaker must be carefully matched with the electrical panel, so the installation is really a job for the licensed electrician. When the GFI circuit breaker has been tripped, it's going to have to be turned off then switched back on again as a way to reset it. You can also purchase a portable GFI which connects to any electric outlet that you'd like to safeguard. These may be handy, especially if you will work on something which needs temporary protection. You can also find small appliances like hair dryers which have portable GFIs included in the cord.
If you have any questions regarding your electrical needs, be sure to speak to a licensed electrician.
About the Author:
If you are in need of an excellent El Dorado Hills electrician then take a look at AAA Electrical Services now. They can provide you with the top-notch help of an El Dorado Hills or Roseville electrician . Check out their website or call 916-972-7515 today!