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Types of Wiring Devices

This document discusses types of wiring devices and how to select them according to job requirements. It focuses on ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs), describing what they are, how they work to prevent electric shock, and the different types including receptacle, portable, and circuit breaker GFCIs. It also outlines National Electrical Code provisions for installing wiring devices, expanding GFCI protection requirements to areas like outdoor receptacles and boat hoists.

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Melinda Perez
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252 views19 pages

Types of Wiring Devices

This document discusses types of wiring devices and how to select them according to job requirements. It focuses on ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs), describing what they are, how they work to prevent electric shock, and the different types including receptacle, portable, and circuit breaker GFCIs. It also outlines National Electrical Code provisions for installing wiring devices, expanding GFCI protection requirements to areas like outdoor receptacles and boat hoists.

Uploaded by

Melinda Perez
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Types of Wiring

Devices
A device, based on the National Electrical Code
(NEC) definition, is a unit of an electrical system
that is intended to carry, but not to utilize electric
energy. This covers a wide assortment of system
components that include but not limited to the
following:
Switch
Relays
Contactors
Receptacles
Conductors
How to Select Wiring Devices

1. Select a known industry manufacturer.


2. Look for a multi-year product warranty.
3. Make sure that there is an easy and clear way to contact
the manufacturer support.
4. Check for a connected equipment damage warranty.
5. Always ask for manufacturer’s manual.
6. Select wiring devices which are well-made and durable.
7. Ease of use and installation
8. Select wiring devices according to job requirements.
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) Information

Outdoor receptacles as well as those in the kitchens,


bathrooms and anywhere else near water should be the
ground fault circuit interrupting type (GFCI).

A GFCI is a ground fault circuit interrupter. It is a


modestly priced electrical device when installed in
residential electrical circuits. Two-thirds of about 300
electrocutions happening each year in and around the
home could have been avoided with this GFCI device.
The GFCI is designed to guard people and pets
from severe and sometimes fatal electrical shock.
A GFCI detects ground faults and interrupts the
flow of electric current. Picture a hair dryer (blow
dryer) that is accidentally knocked off of a
bathroom counter and into a bathtub filled with
water. The GFCI will stop the flow of electricity -
within milliseconds - of the hair dryer hitting the
surface of the water. If someone is in the bathtub,
a painful shock may still be felt but the GFCI will
prevent the electrocution or serious injury.
How a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter Works

The GFCI continually measures electricity flowing


within a circuit to detect any loss of current. If the
current passing through the circuit fluctuates a
minute amount from that returning (to complete the
circuit), the GFCI instantly switches the power off
to the affected circuit. The GFCI interrupts power
within milliseconds to prevent a lethal dose of
electricity.
A Classic Example of the GFCI at Work

Your toaster is old and has a loose bare wire inside it


touching the outer metal housing. If the toaster is
plugged in, the housing is charged with electricity. You
are cleaning the kitchen and moving the countertop items
around. When you touch the toaster housing with one
hand while the other hand is touching a grounded metal
object like a kitchen faucet, you will receive a life-
threatening shock! If the toaster is plugged into a GFCI
protected outlet, the power turns off before a fatal shock
is delivered through your body.
Types of Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters

1. Receptacle GFCI

This GFCI is used in place of a regular wall outlet or "duplex


receptacle". This GFCI is normally found throughout the house in
places like bathrooms, kitchens, garages, outdoor areas and
other locations where damp conditions exist. The receptacle
GFCI fits into the standard outlet box and protects you against
ground faults when an electrical product is connected to the
GFCI protected outlet. Modern homes use receptacle-type GFCls
that protect other electrical outlets connected on the branch
circuit.
2. Temporary/ Portable GFCI

When permanent GFCls are not practical, temporary GFCls are


used. Temporary GFCIs contain the GFCI circuitry in an
enclosure with plug prongs at the back and receptacle plugs in
front. It can be plugged into an unprotected outlet, then the
electrical appliance/ device is plugged into the temporary GFCI.
Portable GFCI is simply an extension cord combined with a
GFCI. It adds flexibility in using receptacles that are not protected
by GFCls. Extension cords with GFCI protection incorporated are
great for use when permanent or portable GFCI protection is
unavailable.
3. Circuit Breaker GFCI

Residences equipped with circuit breakers can


have circuit breaker GFCI protection installed in
the panel box to give protection for specific
circuits. The circuit breaker GFCI serves two
functions; namely, it will shut off the power to the
circuit in the instance of a ground fault and the
GFCI protected circuit breaker will turn the power
off if a short circuit or overload is detected.
NEC Provisions on Installing Wiring Devices

This section has been revised to require GFCI


protection for receptacles installed within 6 feet of
laundry sinks, wet bar sinks and utility sinks in
dwelling units. This requirement is previously
applied only to receptacles installed in countertop
surfaces within 6 feet of wet bar sinks.
Revised text to require all 15A and 20A, 125V
receptacles within 6 ft. of the dwelling unit laundry
or utility sink to be GFCI protected. This is
because irons, hair dryers and similar items with
ungrounded polarized and non-polarized cord caps
are commonly used in this area and present the
same shock hazard found in other areas where the
NEC currently requires GFCI protection.
 The GFCI protection requirement for commercial
kitchens was clarified by adding a definition of a
kitchen. New requirement expands the GFCI
protection requirements for 15A or 20A, 125V
receptacles to include receptacles located
outdoors that are accessible to the public. And new
requirement expands the GFCI protection
requirements for the required 15A or 20A, 125V
receptacle for heating, air-conditioning, and
refrigeration equipment.
 Because there have been at least three
electrocutions over a three-year period from boat
hoists, a new subsection was added. The rule
specifies that GFCI protection is required for
"outlets" that supply boat hoists, not just
"receptacle outlet." This will ensure GFCI
protection regardless of whether the unit is cord-
and plug-connected or hard-wired.

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