Product Brochure

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter with Self-Test (GFCI)
Provides ground fault protection
The National Electrical Code requires GFCI protection of receptacles located outdoors, in bathrooms,
garages and spa areas. This applies not only to new construction, but also to existing homes. When an
electrical outlet is replaced in a location that requires ground-fault protection, the new outlet must be
GFCI protected, according to the NEC.
The GFCI circuit interrupter provides protection against overloads, short circuits and ground faults. It detects very low levels
of electrical current leakage (ground faults), and acts quickly to shut off power, preventing serious shock.
What is a Ground Fault?
Normally, the electrical current traveling to an electrical appliance is identical to the current traveling from that appliance.
However, an imbalance in that flow indicates a current leak — also referred to as a “ground fault,” because the leaking current is
escaping to the ground.
If the leaking current is traveling through a person, that person could be injured, burned, severely shocked or electrocuted.
For example, when a hair dryer is dropped into a sink full of water, some of the electrical current leaks out of the appliance
and into the water. This current leak could be enough to kill someone who comes in contact with the water, but not be large
enough to trip a non-ground fault circuit interrupter. (Standard circuit breakers only guard against over-loads and short
circuits. They are not designed to protect people from electrical shocks.)
6 Residential Electronic Circuit Interrupters