Journeyman Electrician Exam (NEC)Equipment and DevicesEasy
A client requests a new 120-volt, 15-ampere duplex receptacle to be installed in a basement laundry area. According to NEC 210.8(A)(10), this receptacle must be GFCI protected. What is the primary purpose of Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupter (GFCI) protection?
- ATo prevent fires caused by arcing faults.
- BTo ensure proper grounding of the circuit.
- CTo protect personnel from electric shock.
- DTo protect equipment from voltage surges.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. To protect personnel from electric shock.
GFCI devices are specifically designed to detect a ground fault, which is an unintended path for electricity to flow to ground, and quickly interrupt the circuit. This rapid interruption significantly reduces the risk of serious electric shock to personnel.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Arc-Fault Circuit-Interrupters (AFCIs), not GFCIs, are designed to prevent fires from arcing faults.
- B. GFCIs do not ensure proper grounding; they detect current imbalances indicative of a ground fault, regardless of grounding integrity.
- D. Surge protectors, not GFCIs, protect equipment from voltage surges.
GFCI Purpose
A Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupter (GFCI) is a fast-acting circuit breaker designed to shut off electric power in the event of a ground-fault within as little as 1/40 of a second.
- Detects current leakage to ground.
- Protects personnel from electric shock.
- Required in many wet or damp locations by the NEC.
Memory trick: GFCI: Ground Fault, Current Interrupted, Safe Individuals.