Holiday Neptune 2004, Owner'S Manual

Page: 291 / 416

A Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) can be found in two different
types of applications. One type is incorporated in a breaker used in 120 Volt AC
breaker panels, the other is incorporated in an outlet. The GFCI, whether it is a
breaker or an outlet, offer two types of protection. One type of protection is from
over-current or shorts. It also provides protection for persons against hazardous
ground fault currents which can result in injury or death. Ground fault currents are
currents that flow from the hot (power) terminal through a person to the ground.
For example, touching a faulty appliance while standing on or making contact
with an electrical ground such as a water fixture, bath tub or the earth. If the
device has been properly installed it will offer protection against the type of shock
that can result from faulty insulation, wet wiring from inside an appliance, or any
device or equipment plugged in or wired to that circuit. The ground fault portion
of the outlet or breaker uses sensitive electronics inside the outlet or breaker to
detect a ground fault problem. The electronics monitor the normal current of
power, flowing to the hot (black) wire through the load (eg. a light bulb or
appliance) and coming back on the neutral (white) wire. If just a small amount of
the current comes back on the safety ground wire the electronics will trip the
breaker or outlet, stopping the flow of electricity. The amount of current it takes to
trip the device from a ground fault varies slightly from the different outlet or
breaker manufacturers (approximately 30 mils or less). Electrical shocks resulting
from ground faults can be felt, but such a shock is considerably less than one
without ground fault protection. People with heart conditions, or other conditions
that make them susceptible to shock, can still be seriously injured. A GFCI outlet
or breaker will not protect against shock from a normal current flow. For example,
a shock from touching both metal prongs of an electrical cord or appliance while
plugging it in.
WARNING: If a breaker or outlet trips continually DO NOT
continue to reset breaker or outlet until the problem has been
identified and corrected.
NOTE: The ground fault outlet or breaker should be tested once
a month to insure it is working properly. Use the TEST button
on the outlet or breaker. It should trip with an audible click.
The breaker or outlet will not trip if AC power is not present at
the device. If power is present and the device will not trip,
replace it before using that circuit.
NOTE: One mil is 1/1000 of one amp.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS - HOUSE --- SECTION 8 • 291
NEPTUNE 2004
8
GFCI BREAKERS
& OUTLETS
060072
GFCI Outlet