Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI)

Image	Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity	Rfq
	PGFI-4319N Sensata Technologies – Airpax	GFCI IN-LINE SPLICE 120V 25'	0
	PGFR-122 Sensata Technologies – Airpax	GFCI WALL OUTLET 120V	0
	PGFI-1445N Sensata Technologies – Airpax	GFCI IN-LINE SPLICE 120V 6'	0
	PGFS-73005 Sensata Technologies – Airpax	GFCI PERMANENT SPLICE 240V 18"	0
	PGFR-120 Sensata Technologies – Airpax	GFCI WALL OUTLET 120V	0
	PGFM-111-B-A1-188 Sensata Technologies – Airpax	GFCI SENSING MODULE 120V	0
	PGFI-4305N-138 Sensata Technologies – Airpax	GFCI IN-LINE SPLICE 120/208V 6'	0
	PGFI-13002-215 Sensata Technologies – Airpax	GFCI IN-LINE SPLICE 120V 25'	0

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI)

A Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) is an electrical safety device designed to protect personnel from electric shock by detecting and interrupting hazardous ground fault currents. It monitors the balance of current between the hot and neutral conductors in a circuit, tripping the circuit when an imbalance exceeds a predetermined threshold (typically 4-6 mA). GFCIs are critical in modern electrical systems, particularly in damp or high-risk environments, and are mandated by national electrical codes (e.g., NEC Art. 210.8) for specific applications.

Type	Functional Characteristics	Application Examples
Receptacle GFCI	Integrated into standard outlets; protects downstream devices	Kitchens, bathrooms, outdoor outlets
Circuit Breaker GFCI	Installed in distribution panels; protects entire branch circuits	Residential main panels, industrial equipment
Portable GFCI	Plug-in or cord-connected devices; temporary protection	Construction sites, poolside equipment
Deadfront GFCI	Wall-mounted unit without receptacle; provides visual status indicators	Commercial laundry rooms, HVAC systems

A typical GFCI contains:

Current Transformer: Detects differential current between hot and neutral wires
Electronic Control Module: Processes sensor signals and triggers tripping
Solenoid Trip Mechanism: Physically disconnects the circuit upon fault detection
Test/Audit Circuit: Simulates ground faults for periodic self-testing
Enclosure: Flame-retardant thermoplastic housing with moisture-resistant seals

Parameter	Value/Range	Significance
Nominal Current	15-50 A	Defines maximum operational load capacity
Tripping Threshold	4-6 mA (UL 943 standard)	Ensures human safety against lethal shocks
Response Time	<25 milliseconds	Minimizes exposure to hazardous currents
Withstand Voltage	1500-2500 Vrms	Ensures dielectric integrity under surge conditions
Environmental Rating	IP24 (indoor) to IP67 (outdoor)	Determines suitability for specific installation environments

Primary Industries:

Residential (bathrooms, kitchens, basements)
Commercial (pools, spas, outdoor lighting)
Industrial (HVAC systems, wet location machinery)
Healthcare (patient care areas, sterilization equipment)

Typical Equipment: Water heaters, power tools, pool pumps, medical diagnostic devices

Manufacturer	Representative Product	Key Features
Square D (Schneider Electric)	QO120GFI	120V, 20A circuit breaker GFCI with visual trip indicator
Leviton	GFTR1-KW	Portable GFCI with weather-resistant enclosure
Siemens	QFG2L120N2	Two-pole GFCI breaker for multi-wire branch circuits
Eaton	CHGF206	Combination GFCI/AFCI with smart panel compatibility

Key considerations:

Match nominal current/voltage to circuit requirements
Verify environmental rating (e.g., IP65 for outdoor use)
Check compliance with local electrical codes (UL 943/CSA C22.2)
Consider combination GFCI/AFCI for enhanced fire protection
Evaluate self-test functionality for critical applications

Case Study: A construction site selected Leviton's portable GFCI (IP67-rated) for temporary power tools, achieving 0 electrical incidents during a 12-month project.

Emerging developments include:

Smart GFCIs with IoT connectivity for remote monitoring
Integrated GFCI/RCD solutions for dual standard compliance
Nanotechnology-enhanced sensors for sub-millisecond response
Self-powered models eliminating battery dependency
Increased adoption in renewable energy systems (e.g., solar inverters)