Hi readers welcome to the new tutorial. Here we will discuss the Difference between a GFCI Receptacle & a GFI Outlet?. The ground fault is dangerous if it occurs in the home or any building. The current leakage can casues electrical shock or any hazard damage. For this purpose to avoid damage different devices are used such as GFI and GFC. In this post, we will cover their details and find the differences between them. So let’s get started with the Difference between a GFCI Receptacle & GFI Outlet.
Introduction to GFCI Receptacle?
- GFCI stands for ground fault circuit interrupters electrical device that comes with a build in breaker and is made to minimize the chance of electrical shock during working. Ground fault interrupters are used in points where moisture exists like the kitchen or bathroom.
- GFCI outlets come with a portable protection system for electrically operated power garden devices and tools like hedge trimmers, and drills sanders.
- it can be connected to an electrical device or a built-in power cord to control the chances of electrocution or an electrical fire.
Different Types of GFCI Outlets
- GFCI outlets come with 3 main types to use at different points for the protection of devices.
- The ground interruption can be in the form of a circuit breaker, receptacle, or portable system. Each type has certain operations to control electric shock based on connection.
- GFCI receptacle is a common type that is used for the protection of a single outlet in case of electric shock. The main element of the GFCI receptacle is the test button and reset button that is added in the faceplate.
- If GFI has tripped as the result of ground faults these buttons are used to self-test the outlet and reset the circuit for accurate working.
- GFI outlets are comonly connected in wetting areas there is a need of ground fault protection.
- A circuit breaker is a device used to offer GFI protection for a complete circuit instead of one outlet. Circuit breaker GFCIs are connected to an electrical service panle that checks the current passing through the circuit.
- Portable GFCI can be connected in a single outlet in point without the use of built-in ground fault protection.
- Portable GFI is in singular devices, and extension cord attachments are used in different devices..
What is a Ground Fault?
Before looking at Ground Fault Interrupter (GFI) and Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI), you have to first understand the meaning of Ground Fault. Here is a simple explanation of Ground Fault for beginners and novices.
We will understand the meaning of Ground Fault by taking an everyday electrical appliance i.e., a lamp. Whenever we plug the power cord or a lamp into an outlet, the following sequence of things happens.
Working of GFI and GFCI
- GFI and GFCI are used as ground fault protection devices. GFI is a single-circuit control device and GFCI is a wide-circuit protection device.
- Their working operation is similar. They detect the current coming from the live wire and the current moving back in the neutral wire. If there is not the same value for these current GFI or GFCI detects ground faults and opens the circuit.
- For connection of these devices, there is hot and neutral wires pass through the toroidal ring. These two wires work as single-side transformers and certain picks up work as secondary transformers. The toroidal ring works as transformer cors.
- in the case of normal working conditions current in these wires is the same and the reverse in directing. The voltage produced by live and neutral wires cancels each other. As a result, there is no voltage in the secondary or pick-up coil.
- If there is ground fault exits current coming from hotwire are not the same in neutral wires. So current move in another path to the ground.
- The current value is different in both wires generating voltage on the primary side and voltage induced on the secondary side.
- The sensor increased the voltage on the pick-up coil and operated the solenoid for circuit opening.
- The reaction of GFi and GFCI is that the fault occurs in less than 25ms they operate.
- These two devices work in similar ways but the main difference is the stretch of protection.
- GFI has features to offer two outlets and accurate wiring of one or two for receptacles.
- GFCI offers protection from overloading.
What to Do If a GFCI or GFI Trips
- If they trip find out the reason for tripping for this starting with unplugging the devices connected with GFCI. Reset the breaker when there is not load connected with the circuit.
- After that pluf in light. If it works GFCI and wiring is working accuralty and the problem can be with devices that are connected.
- Plug in connected devices at the same time and when the breaker trips it can find the devices tha are faulty.
- A common casues is insulation damage. if there issue use a multimeter for testing the continuity between wiring and devices.
- Washing machines and refrigerators can casues GFCI trips since they collect moisture.
Differences between GFI vs GFCI
These two devices are fault protection devices but come with some differences that are listed here
- These two are ground fault protection devices. They trip outlet when find ground fault. GFI is a receptacle that protects two outlets from ground faults. A GFCI breaker is a circuit breaker that protects the system from ground faults. So it controls the overvoltage and short circuits like a breaker. GFCI breaker also protects the complete circuit from ground faults.
- As GFI is a receptacle so can be connected at any point where an outlet is needed. While GFCI is connected there are high chances of electric shock. Such as kitchen, bathroom, basement, etc.
- These two devices have manual testing featues. For GFI two buttons exist between two outlets, TEST and RESET. if we press the test button casues a ground fault error in GFI. If no fault exists in the devices it must trip and off power through the outlet. Push the REST button for normal operation. Some GGI come with LED. If the LED is green GFi is working in normal condition, if press test button or trip after fault detection led will be off. If led is red or blinking it means faults exist. On GFCI the test button if pressed will cause a ground fault and the breaker will trip. Rest GFCI breaker. During testing the GFCI follows the protection measures. it is suggested to test GFI and GFCI each month.
- GFI receptacles come in 120V 15A and 12V 20A outlets. The price of the 120V 15A GFI Receptacle is about $15 to $20.. 120V 15A GFCI Circuit Breaker is $50 to $55.
How Long Do GFCI Outlets work?
- The GFCI outelt has featues to work for a longer duration but due to moisture, they can damage fastly. Light, heat and surges, and chemical exposure casues the outlet to corrupt. Try to replace GFCI after ten to fifteen years.
Read Also:
- Difference Between a Single and Double Pole Breaker
- Where is the Doorbell Breaker Located? Easy Way to Findout
- What to Do if Your Circuit Breaker Won’t Reset
- Top Reasons Why Electric Outlet Stopped Working Breaker Not Tripped?
- https://www.theengineeringknowledge.com/shunt-trip-breaker/
- 125 Amp Wire Size and Breaker Guide
Faqs
What is the difference between a GFCI outlet and a receptacle?
- If there is an outlet with GFCI protection it has 2 small buttons between receptacles labeled RESET and TEST. Each is mostly GFCI that will trigger and off current flow to the outlet when a fault does not exist.
What is the difference between a GFCI and a GFI outlet?
- GFCI or ground fault interrupts and GFI is the same devices. Both are used for ground fault detection GFI is a single device control system and GFCI is a larger circuit control device like a circuit breaker.
What does GFCI receptacle mean?
- A ground fault circuit interrupter, known as GFCI or GFI, is a low cost device that can be connected in electrical system or built-in power cord for protection of severe electrical shocks.
What are the two types of GFCI receptacles?
- The main types of GFCI are a wall receptacle, circuit breaker, and portable plug-in.
What is better GFCI outlet or GFCI breaker?
- If GFCI outelt is best to use for single lcoaion protection than GFCI.
Is GFCI a breaker?
- GFCI and breaker are different devices. Both avoid damage to electrical wiring and bot off the power if a fault occurs. GFCI also saves from electric shock if devices make a connection with water.
