Regal 32 EXPRESS, Owner'S Manual

Page: 112 / 364

58
Chapter 4
GFCI Outlet
Sometimes current in a circuit escapes its normal route
and fi nds a “ground fault”. If that vehicle ends up to be
your body and the current passes through your heart the
results could be deadly.
A ground fault interrupter or GFCI senses the difference
between the hot and neutral wire current before a fatal
dose can be conducted and in a fraction of a second cuts
the current.
The GFCI devices used in homes are normally not ignition
protected. All of the Regal boat’s GFCI’s are ignition
protected.
Your boat uses 120 volt receptacles. By using a GFCI as
the fi rst receptacle in the circuit all the receptacles down
stream on the same circuit are protected by the initial
GFCI. This is accomplished by attaching the hot wire to
the line terminal of the GFCI receptacle and the out-going
hot wire to the load terminal. The neutral wires also use
line and load terminals on the opposite side of the GFCI
receptacle.
You can identify the GFCI primary receptacle by the test
and reset breaker in the center of the device. Check the
GFCI protection monthly. If a problem develops with
the GFCI circuitry call a marine electrician to access the
situation.
The GFCI outlets are especially useful when electrical
equipment is employed such as a drill or in the head with
the use of personal devices such as curlers and hair dryers.
Never use any electrical devices when puddling water is
present to prevent a possible shock hazard.
TEST
MONTHLY
TYPICAL
GFCI
TEST
RESET
GFCI’S (GROUND FAULT CIRCUIT
INTERRUPTER
The GFCI is pro-
gramed to protect a
person from line to
ground shock hazards
which could occur
from various electrical
devices operating off
of the device or re-
ceptacles downstream.
It does not prevent
line to ground electric
shock, but does cut
down the exposure
time to a fraction of a
second before the de-
vice trips. It does not
protect people against
line to line or line to neutral faults. Also, it does not pro-
tect against short circuits or overloads; this is the circuit
breakers job.
All GFCI’s should be tested monthly to make sure they
and the receptacles they protect “downstream” are pro-
tecting against ground-faults.