GFCI Wall Outlet Question

Hello,

Do the typical GFCI wall outlets also serve as an (additional) circuit breaker in that they will "also" normally trip if the current draw exceeds the typical 15 amps ?

Thanks, B.

Reply to
Bob
Loading thread data ...

No

Reply to
DerbyDad03

No.

John Grabowski

formatting link

Reply to
John G

No,

But they automatically notify the Fire Department when you exceed 15 amps.

Reply to
Ace.Electrical.Services

No. They work to simply ensure all the current going "out" on the hot lead "returns" on the neutral lead. If there is an imbalance, then this suggests some current is "leaking" through an unintended pathway (e.g., through something that should be an insulator or an unintended connection -- like a *body*).

The circuit is designed to notice small *imbalances*, not the "sizes" of the actual "out" and "return" currents.

A circuit breaker actually looks at the magnitude (size) of the current flowing through the hot lead and opens (trips) when it exceeds a threshold. It doesn't care *where* that current is going or how it is "returning". It will gladly allow current to flow through faulty insulation, warm bodies, etc. in addition to the "intended" load(s).

Reply to
Don Y

Bob posted for all of us...

I'll add on: NO DAGS

Reply to
Tekkie®

HomeOwnersHub website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.