Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI)

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
1301430039

1301430039

Woodhead - Molex

4730 W/25' #14-3 CORD & 4739 2'L

0

1301530242

1301530242

Woodhead - Molex

30A, 120/208VAC 3PHASE, 24" 10 G

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1301530158

1301530158

Woodhead - Molex

20A/240V GFCIMANUALMLDL6-20 2FT

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1301530017

1301530017

Woodhead - Molex

20A GFCI MANUAL2.25FT. TTAP 3X5-

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1301530170

1301530170

Woodhead - Molex

GFCI IN-LINE SPLICE 120V 6'

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1301530184

1301530184

Woodhead - Molex

30A/240V GFCIAUTO2FT SUPER-SAFEW

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1301530109

1301530109

Woodhead - Molex

GFCI IN-LINE SPLICE 120V 2'

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1301530112

1301530112

Woodhead - Molex

20A GFCI AUTO1FT14/1533 5-20

0

1301530251

1301530251

Woodhead - Molex

30A, 120/240VAC SPLIT PHASE 2' 1

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1301430094

1301430094

Woodhead - Molex

1447 25'12/3 SJOW-A 1547 GFCI

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1301530192

1301530192

Woodhead - Molex

GFCI IN-LINE W/PLUG CONN 30A

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1301530195

1301530195

Woodhead - Molex

GFCI IN-LINE W/PLUG CONN 30A

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1301530250

1301530250

Woodhead - Molex

30A, 120/208VAC, 3PHASE, 2' 10/5

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1301530152

1301530152

Woodhead - Molex

20A IN-LINE GFCILARGE HOUSING

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1301530027

1301530027

Woodhead - Molex

GFCI IN-LINE SPLICE 120V 25'

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1301530230

1301530230

Woodhead - Molex

20052-6M W/3' CABLE BOTH SIDE &

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1301530268

1301530268

Woodhead - Molex

20A/120VMANGFCI W/25'#12-3SOOW N

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1301530094

1301530094

Woodhead - Molex

GFCI PLUG 125V 2'

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1301530131

1301530131

Woodhead - Molex

20A. IN-LINE GFCI W/PLUG &CONN

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1301530153

1301530153

Woodhead - Molex

GFCI IN-LINE SPLICE 240V 2'

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:

  1. Match nominal current/voltage to circuit requirements
  2. Verify environmental rating (e.g., IP65 for outdoor use)
  3. Check compliance with local electrical codes (UL 943/CSA C22.2)
  4. Consider combination GFCI/AFCI for enhanced fire protection
  5. 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)
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