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 Iowa electrician please call us today at 515-382-5200 or complete our online service request form.
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