With that said, GFCI outlets cost a lot more than regular outlets. On average, GFCI breakers are 10 times more expensive, but again they protect many outlets and lights at once. GFCI outlets cost much less than CFCI breakers. On the other hand, GFCI circuit breakers require you to travel to your breaker box to reset the breaker. On the other hand, if there is a ground fault at an outlet protected by a GFCI receptacle, only that particular outlet will lose power.Īnother difference between GFCI circuit breakers and GFCI receptacle outlets is that GFCI receptacles can be reset locally with a button on the outlet. This means that if there is a ground fault anywhere in the electrical system, a GFCI circuit breaker will trip and cut off power to the entire system. GFCI circuit breakers are installed at the main breaker panel, while GFCI receptacle outlets are installed at individual outlets. The main difference between GFCI circuit breakers and GFCI receptacle outlets is their location. So, what’s the difference between GFCI circuit breakers and GFCI receptacle outlets? GFCI Circuit Breaker and GFCI Receptacle Outlet Differences However, a GFCI only protects the particular items you have plugged into it. The GFCI outlet will then shut off power to that particular outlet, preventing any further shocks– and injuries– from occurring. If there is a sudden drop in current, that indicates that there is a ground fault somewhere in the circuit– like if it touches water. Like GFCI circuit breakers, GFCI outlets work by constantly monitoring the current flowing through the outlet. However, instead of being installed at the main breaker panel, they are installed at individual outlets. GFCI receptacle outlets are also designed to protect against ground-faults and electrical shocks. With GFCI circuit breakers, every outlet and light that is connected to the breaker is protected. This prevents any shocks, electrocutions, injuries, death, fires, and electrical damage. The GFCI circuit breaker will trip and cut off the power if there is a sudden drop in current. They work by constantly monitoring the amount of current going to and returning from equipment along the circuit. GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) circuit breakers are designed to shut off electric power in the event of a ground-fault within a fraction of a second. As always, check your local building codes to ensure compliance, and work with a licensed electrical contractor for all electrical projects. Both are important safety features in any electrical system but serve different purposes.īut what’s the difference between them? And which one do you need in your building? Here’s a quick overview of GFCI devices so you can learn the differences. There are two main types of GFCI devices: circuit breakers and receptacle outlets. When it comes to electrical safety, GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) devices are critical. If the issue isn’t fixed, the outlet will keep shutting off.The Differences Between GFCI Circuit Breakers and GFCI Receptacle Outlets After the problem is fixed, you must manually reset the GFCI by pushing the reset button. Then the GFCI shuts off power right away. If these currents are not equal, then it means that some of the current must be leaking in an unwanted way, like into a person. GFCI outlets work by measuring the amount of current leaving one side of a power source and comparing it to the current coming in on the other side. It is highly recommended that you have them installed in those areas to improve the electrical safety of your home. Homes that were built 20 or more years ago might not have GFCIs in the kitchen or laundry room, but would likely have one in the bathroom. They didn’t used to be required to meet electrical safety code standards, but recent Canadian electrical code states that GFCI outlets must be installed within 1.5 metres of a sink, tub or shower stall. These are places where a short circuit is more likely to happen. Nowadays, GFCIs are found in kitchens, bathrooms, unfinished basements, garages, outdoors and anywhere near a sink. GFCIs can also help in preventing fires caused by electrical issues, like when a live wire touches a metal conduit. It’s used to reduce the risk of electric shock which can cause serious injuries, even death. By Gordonrox24 A GFCI will shut off the electrical power circuit when it detects that the current flow is going along an unintended path, like through water or through a person.
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