Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters

Problems within a circuit, such as damage or overloading, can cause dangerous overcurrent or, in the case of a ground fault, diversion of current flow to a ground potential. If that diversion of flow happens to be through a person, the individual could be seriously injured or even killed. This course will describe overcurrent events and briefly explain how to minimize their impact. It will also cover how a device known as a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter operates and prevents electrocution or injury from human-contact faults.

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Describe the difference between an overload and a fault
• Explain the danger of a human-contact ground fault
• Describe the purpose of an Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter
• Describe the principle of operation of a GFCI
• List three different forms of GFCIs
• List places in the home where GFCIs are required