Results 1 to 12 of 12
Thread: GFI vs GFCI
-
05-03-2019, 09:56 AM #1
GFI vs GFCI
I have been doing some studying on GFI & GFCI and for the most part folks say they are the same, but some say they are not. I am curious to thoughts about it as I commonly call everything a GFI and sometimes I am corrected.
I found this: A GFI protects only loads that are plugged directly into that outlet. A GFCI protects loads that are plugged into that outlet and any loads that are plugged into outlets that are downstream from it.
Or should I really care what they are called as long as the outlets for the given areas are protected.
Similar Threads:
-
05-03-2019, 10:07 AM #2
Re: GFI vs GFCI
www.1stproinspection.com
Certified Master Inspector
Like Us On Facebook https://www.facebook.com/1stproinspection/
-
05-03-2019, 06:08 PM #3
Re: GFI vs GFCI
I agree with Roy. Before I got into this biz, I called them GFIs, as do a lot of old timers, ahem, but the correct term for those outlets with the two push buttons is GFCI.
If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice.
-
05-08-2019, 04:34 AM #4
Re: GFI vs GFCI
What they said. Like using "smoke detector" for "smoke alarm," the latter containing the annunciation as well as the detection component. Technically, when a GFCI operates--device or CB type--the ground fault is not interrupted, just the power to it, which makes "GFI" not exACtly correct.
-
06-24-2019, 06:17 AM #5
Re: GFI vs GFCI
I can't agree with your logic. When a ground fault occurs (circuit completed through a faulty ground - you!) the circuit is interrupted just as promised by the name Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter. The name implies the circuit is interrupted it says nothing about disconnecting the ground (although that's exactly what happens when the circuit is interrupted - ground (you) is disconnected from power). This occurs regardless of the name given to it.
-
06-24-2019, 09:51 AM #6
Re: GFI vs GFCI
Removing power does "interrupt the ground fault".
Not by breaking the faulty ground connection, but by de-energizing the circuit with the ground fault, either de-energizing the circuit entirely at a GFCI breaker, or the circuit from a GFCI receptacle on (or other GFCI device on).
-
07-21-2019, 12:41 PM #7
Re: GFI vs GFCI
One of the sources of the confusion on the naming of a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter is that there are 2 types of Ground Fault safety devices in use in the electrical industry. The one most people are familiar with is the Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI). The second is unlikely to ever be encountered by Home inspectors.
Ground-Fault Protection of Equipment. A system intended to provide protection of equipment from damaging line-to-ground fault currents by operating to cause a disconnecting means to open all ungrounded conductors of the faulted circuit. This protection is provided at current levels less than those required to protect conductors from damage through the operation of a supply circuit overcurrent device.
--
Tom Horne
-
07-22-2019, 07:57 AM #8
-
08-08-2019, 09:12 PM #9
Re: GFI vs GFCI
With all of the electrical paralysis drownings that have occurred in fresh water marinas they cannot be required soon enough. If I were a locality's Chief Electrical Inspector; and I encountered one of the electrical systems that have been described in the coroners reports I've seen published; I would seek my local governing body's permission to subject it to the risk of a law suit by hitting the owners with a "Clear and Present Danger" corrective order. I would already have issued a cease operation order for the faulty dock wiring. I would require double block and break disconnection of the power to that wiring and I would give them 24 hours to get it that fully disconnected. I'd provide them with my cell phone number so whichever electrical contractor they got to come out could be sure of having a permit for their work if I had to bring it to them personally. I served over 45 years as a firefighter in seasonal, limited term, and volunteer positions and I can assure you that I can still recall the faces of every child we lost. I never was involved in a drowning response but I cannot imagine they are any easier to be involved in than any other childhood death.
--
Tom Horne
-
08-09-2019, 08:23 AM #10
-
08-09-2019, 10:50 AM #11
Re: GFI vs GFCI
David,
That happens all over Florida too ... and the reason I specifically mention Florida is Florida has a state statute which specifically prohibits that.
But ... if the building official wants to keep his/her job ... you know how it usually goes (some have the wherewithal to stand up to such interference, many do not).
-
08-09-2019, 03:27 PM #12
Re: GFI vs GFCI
David
You are undoubtedly correct. It is no comfort to the family of a drowning victim but if I openly and publicly sought the support of the local legislative body; whatever they happen to be called; then at least the aggrieved would know that I had done my best to prevent the drowning from occurring and the victim's body could be laid at the right doorstep.
--
Tom Horne
Bookmarks