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GFCI
BREAKERS:
Circuit breaker ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) are safety
devices that provide the same overcurrent protection as a standard
circuit breaker but they also protect against the hazardous effects
of certain kinds of ground faults which can cause electric shock.
Check the National Electrical Code and local codes for GFCI requirements.
GFCIs
constantly monitor the flow of electricity through a circuit. A
ground fault exists when an unintentional leakage path is established
between an ungrounded conductor and ground. This can occur not only
in defective electrical equipment but also from misuse of electrical
equipment in good working order, or from touching any live part
and ground.
To replace
a standard circuit breaker with a GFCI breaker, proceed as follows:
- Switch
main breaker to the OFF position. Remove the service panel cover
and check with a voltage tester to make sure the power is off
Be careful to avoid contact with the supply wires connected to
the main breaker. They are still "hot."
- Next,
switch the handle on the circuit breaker you're replacing to the
OFF position.
- Then,
disconnect the c black and/or red load wire(s). Carefully unplug
the breaker by pulling at the end opposite the load connection.
- Switch
the GFCI breaker OFF and connect the white pigtail wire to a terminal
on the panel neutral bar.
- Plug
the breaker onto the mounting chassis.
- Identify
the white neutral wire on the circuit you're working with.
- Connect
it to the breaker terminal marked "load neutral." Connect the
black wire to the breaker terminal lug marked "load power."
- Replace
the service panel cover, switch the main breaker on, then switch
the GFCI breaker on.
- With
the GFCI on, push the PUSH TO TEST button. If the handle moves
to the trip position and power to the circuit goes off, the GFCI
is working properly.
- To
test the GFCI, push the handle to the extreme OFF position, then
turn it on. Then test the circuit with a voltage tester or lamp.
NOTE:
Direct-wired GFCI receptacles can be installed in place of individual
receptacles and offer the same ground fault protection as circuit
breaker GFCIs. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for installation
and testing carefully.
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