What is Ground Fault Interrupter?

Ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI), or Residual

Current Device (RCD) is a device that shuts off an electric
power circuit when it detects that current is flowing along
an unintended path, such as through water or a person. It
is used to reduce the risk of electric shock, which can
cause the heart to stop or cause burns. They can also
prevent some fires, like when a live wire touches a metal
conduit.
Ground fault circuit interrupters are designed to
protect from electrical shock by interrupting a household
circuit when there is a difference in the currents in the "hot" A GFCI receptacle
http://www.electrical-online.com/wp-
and neutral wires. Such a difference indicates that an content/uploads/2011/07/GFCI-
Receptacle.jpg
abnormal diversion of current from the "hot" wire is
occurring. Such a current might be flowing in the ground wire, such as a leakage current
from a motor or from capacitors. More importantly, that current diversion may be occurring
because a person has come into contact with the "hot" wire and is being shocked. When
a circuit is functioning normally, all the return current from an appliance flows through the
neutral wire, so the presence of a difference between "hot" and neutral currents
represents a malfunction which in some circumstances could produce a dangerous or
even lethal shock hazard.

Flow of Current
http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/electric/imgel2/gfii3.gif
Operation of GFCI

A GFCI device uses Kirchhoff 's current law. This law states that on all points on
an electrical circuit the current must be exactly equal to every other point on that same
circuit. House wiring normally has a "hot leg" and a "neutral leg". The GFCI device
monitors the current "going out" on the hot leg and the current "coming back in" on the
neutral. If there is a difference between the two currents, with as little as 4-5 milliamps,
then that is an abnormal condition and then the GFCI device will trip and stop all current
flow. This is because a difference between the two monitored currents on that one circuit
is usually caused by a short circuit. A short circuit is when current leaves the normal
current path, and takes an unintended path. This unintended path may send current
through the human body, causing harm or death.

The "hot" and neutral wires are passed

through the sensing coil so that the
currents in the two wires at any instant
are traveling in opposite directions,
giving a net zero current in the coil if the
two currents are exactly equal. Since a
current-carrying wire produces an AC
magnetic field external to the wire, a
non-zero current would induce a voltage
in the sensing coil. The sensing coil is
wound longitudinally to capture more of
the wire's magnetic field and therefore
be a more sensitive net current
detector. Even so, the difference that it Inside GFCI
http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/electric/elepic/gfi2.gif
is supposed to detect is quite small. The
GFI is designed to trip when there is more than 5 milliamperes of leakage current out of
the normal pathway. The neutral return would then have 5 mA less current than the "hot"
wire, but that might be out of a 20A load. So the circuit would have to detect a 0.025%
deviation from 20A return current. Fortunately, comparator circuits such as an op-amp
comparator are quite capable of detecting such differences. The voltage in the sensor coil
is rectified and applied to the input of the sensitive comparator. The comparator activates
a trip coil which opens both the "hot" and neutral wires. If all circuits were wired with
correct polarity, opening the "hot" wire would be sufficient, but since it is not uncommon
for them to be accidentally wired backward, it is prudent to interrupt both leads.

Types of GFCI

For construction applications, there are several types of GFCIs available, with some
variations:
Receptacle Type
The Receptacle Type incorporates a GFCI device within one
or more receptacle outlets. Such devices are becoming
popular because of their low cost.

https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/
construction/images/gfci_wall.jpg

Portable Type

Portable Type GFCIs come in several styles, all designed for

easy transport. Some are designed to plug into existing non-
GFCI outlets, or connect with a cord and plug arrangement.
The portable type also incorporates a no-voltage release
device that will disconnect power to the outlets if any supply
conductor is open. Units approved for outdoor use will be in
enclosures suitable for the environment. If exposed to rain, they
must be listed as waterproof.
https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/
construction/images/gfci_port.jpg
Cord-Connected Type
The Cord-Connected Type of GFCI is an
attachment plug incorporating the GFCI
module. It protects the cord and any
https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/construction/images/gfci
_plug.jpg
equipment attached to the cord. The
attachment plug has a non-standard appearance with test and reset buttons. Like the
portable type, it incorporates a no-voltage release device that will disconnect power to the
load if any supply conductor is open.

Regulations

GFCIs are usually required by local laws to be installed in 2 prong receptacles, kitchens,
bathrooms, unfinished basements, garages, outdoors, and anywhere near water.
What is Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupter?

An Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) is

a circuit breaker that breaks the circuit
when it detects an electric arc in the
circuit it protects to prevent electrical
fires. An AFCI selectively distinguishes
between a harmless arc (incidental to
normal operation of switches, plugs, and
brushed motors), and a potentially
dangerous arc (that can occur, for
example, in a lamp cord which has a
broken conductor). Close-up of an AFCI
https://cdn2.tmbi.com/TFH/Step-By-
Step/display/FH07DJA_CIRBRE_01.JPG

Why do we need Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupters?

Smoke alarms, fire extinguishers and escape ladders are all examples of emergency
equipment used in homes to take action when a fire occurs. An AFCI is a product that is
designed to detect a wide range of arcing electrical faults to help reduce the electrical
system from being an ignition source of a fire. Conventional overcurrent protective
devices do not detect low level hazardous arcing currents that have the potential to initiate
electrical fires. It is well known that electrical fires do exist and take many lives and
damage or destroy significant amounts of property. Electrical fires can be a silent killer
occurring in areas of the home that are hidden from view and early detection. The
objective is to protect the circuit in a manner that will reduce its chances of being a source
of an electrical fire.

How is an Arc Fault detected?

Unlike a standard circuit breaker detecting overloads and short circuits, an AFCI utilizes
advanced electronic technology to “sense” the different arcing conditions. While there are
different technologies employed to measure arcs by the various AFCI manufacturers, the
end result is the same, detecting parallel arcs (line to line, line to neutral and line to
ground) and/or series arcs (arcing in series with one of the conductors).

How does arc fault detection work? In essence, the detection is accomplished by the use
of advanced electronic technology to monitor the circuit for the presence of “normal” and
“dangerous” arcing conditions. Some equipment in the home, such as a motor driven
vacuum cleaner or furnace motor, naturally creates arcs. This is considered to be a
normal arcing condition. Another normal arcing condition that can sometimes be seen is
when a light switch is turned off and the opening of the contacts creates an arc.

A dangerous arc, as mentioned earlier, occurs for many reasons including damage of the
electrical conductor insulation. When arcing occurs, the AFCI analyzes the characteristics
of the event and determines if it is a hazardous event. AFCI manufacturers test for the
hundreds of possible operating conditions and then program their devices to monitor
constantly for the normal and dangerous arcing conditions.

How does an AFCI work?

In essence, the detection is
accomplished by the use of
advanced electronic technology to
monitor the circuit for the
presence of “normal” and
“dangerous” arcing conditions.
Some equipment in the home,
such as a motor driven vacuum
cleaner or furnace motor, naturally
Inside AFCI
create arcs. This is considered to http://www.powerelectronics.com/sites/powerelectronics.com/files/uploads/201
5/02/AFCI_4-sm.jpg
be a normal arcing condition. Another normal arcing condition that can sometimes be
seen is when a light switch is turned off and the opening of the contacts creates an arc.
Types of Circuit Breaker AFCIs

Branch/Feeder Breaker AFCI

A device intended to be installed at the origin of a branch circuit
or feeder, such as at a panelboard. The branch/feeder AFCI
provides for detection of arcing faults that can occur line-to-line,
line-to-neutral and line-to-ground. To be able to handle shared
neutral circuits (a common application in older homes), a two-
pole AFCI can be used. This will accommodate the three-wire
circuit arrangement used in shared neutral applications.
https://ssli.ebayimg.com/images/g/
d~0AAOSwXPNZ-tCg/s-l1600.jpg

Combination Breaker AFCI

In addition to the protection provided by the Branch Feeder

AFCI, the Combination AFCI provides for series arc detection
down to 5 amperes. This series arc detection is beneficial to
detect lower level arcing in both branch circuits and power
supply cords. Combination AFCI protection is required by the
NEC® as of January 1, 2008.
https://i.stack.imgur.com/ezdQc.jpg

Breaker AFCI and GFCI Protection

An AFCI can be used in conjunction with GFCI
protection to provide both arcing fault
protection as well as 5mA ground fault
(people) protection. A common way to provide
both types of protection is to use an AFCI
circuit breaker and a GFCI receptacle. AFCIs
can also incorporate 5mA GFCI protection into https://www.schneider-electric.ca/en/product-range-
presentation/62274-qo-dual-function-circuit-breakers/
the same package. This solution for AFCI
breaker and GFCI on the same circuit can be useful where the circuit design requires
both types of protection or where the installer (or user) wants to have both types of
protection.

Regulations

The 2005 NEC® states that AFCIs must be placed on bedroom power and lighting
circuits. The 2008 NEC® may expand this requirement to other areas in the home. As
with all property protection and life saving devices, the ultimate use, beyond the Code,
rests with the homeowner. The 2017 210.12 NEC® states that Arc-fault circuit-interrupter
protection shall be provided as required in 210.12(A), (B), and (C). The arc-fault circuit
interrupter shall be installed in a readily accessible location. (A) Dwelling Units. All 120-
volt, single-phase, 15- and 20-ampere branch circuits supplying outlets or devices
installed in dwelling unit kitchens, family rooms, dining rooms, living rooms, parlors,
libraries, dens, bedrooms, sunrooms, recreation rooms, closets, hallways, laundry areas,
or similar rooms or areas.

References
(2017). Retrieved from HyperPhysics: http://hyperphysics.phy-
astr.gsu.edu/hbase/electric/gfi2.html#c1
(2017). Retrieved from HyperPhysics: http://hyperphysics.phy-
astr.gsu.edu/hbase/electric/gfi3.html#c1
(2017). Retrieved from HyperPhysics: http://hyperphysics.phy-
astr.gsu.edu/hbase/electric/gfi.html#c1
(2017). Retrieved from Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA):
https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/construction/electrical_incidents/gfci.html
(2017). Retrieved from Wikipedia: https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/GFCI
(2017). Retrieved from Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arc-
fault_circuit_interrupter
NEMA. (2017). Retrieved from AFCI SAFETY Low Voltage Distribution Equipment
Seaction: http://www.afcisafety.org/afci/what-is-afci/#1469600003680-7a1d478b-
b1bf