Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters are a device that protects you in areas that could be fatal if the correct conditions are present. Wet areas such as bathrooms, kitchen sinks, outdoor receptacles, and in locations that the potential to be in contact with ground such as basements and garages.

The GFCI monitors current leaving the receptacle and any deviation of 6 milliamps, or six millionths of an amp, will cause the GFCI to trip. As mentioned above all bathroom receptacles, kitchen counter top receptacle, garage or basement receptacles are required to have this protection.

The GFCI receptacle is identified by a "trip" and "reset" button on the face of the receptacle. If you don't have this protection it is recommended that you have them installed for you and your family's protection.

Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters

Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCI) are devices that are required to monitor the sine wave of designated circuits and will trip under a working fault condition. All electric circuits have a sine wave, which cycles on a nominal frequency of 60 cycles per second. An arcing condition causes the sine wave to act in a manner that is not as recognizable as normal sine wave.

When the AFCI sees that abnormal sine wave it trips interrupting what could be a working fault and possible fire hazard. The insurance industry pushed to have these devices required by the National Electric Code (NEC) in response to the number of residential fires caused each year by the types of working faults described above.

Currently AFCI circuit breakers are required in all new construction for bedrooms only. There is also a proposal in the next NEC Code book release to have them required in all new construction and not just bedrooms.
 

If you are looking for a professional electrician, please call us today at 610-834-0403 or complete our online service request form.