Survey of ground fault circuit interrupter usage for protection against hazardous shock
Abstract
The ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) is increasingly becoming an integral part of building electrical systems to protect human life. Building researchers, designers, and contractors should have a working knowledge of their purpose and operational characteristics. The functional principles of GFCIs are described and their performance is related to effects of electric current on the human body. Information concerning the history, research and testing, installation practices, fire protection aspects, types, manufacturers and costs of GFCIs are included. The trend of requiring installation of GFCIs on more and more electrical circuits by regulatory authorities for safety purposes is outlined. Controversies concerning feasibility, reliability, nuisance tripping and other problems are discussed.
- Publication:
-
NASA STI/Recon Technical Report N
- Pub Date:
- March 1976
- Bibcode:
- 1976STIN...7630472B
- Keywords:
-
- Circuit Protection;
- Electrical Grounding;
- Shock;
- Electrical Faults;
- Fire Prevention;
- Safety Devices;
- Electronics and Electrical Engineering