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GFCI stands for ground fault circuit interruptor. It inherently works by detecting ground current; when ground current is detected above a low threshold, the GFCI will trip. Some GFCIs also may provide phase overcurrent protection (such as the two phase wires being shorted together) as well.
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It is a differential current detector.
The line (or live, phase or hot) and the neutral wires of an a.c. supply should both be carrying the same value of current. (The current comes from the generator and goes to the load through the line and neutral wires and goes back to the generator.)
If there is a difference in the in the two wires, it can only be because there is a fault which has allowed some current to flow to Earth ("ground").
As long as the two currents are equal, the interruptor stays closed. Once an imbalance is detected, the interruptor operates and disconnects the supply.
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What does OPD mean in electric terms?
'Overcurrent protection devices' are used to protect conductors from excessive current flow... a fuse
What is the smallest wire size for which overcurrent protection is specified in the Code?
14 AWG
What is the difference between voltage restrained overcurrent protection and voltage controlled overcurrent protection?
The voltage-restrained overcurrent relay adjusts the pickup setting and characteristic curve of the overcurrent function based on the system voltage. The relay is set pickup greater than overload, and sensitivity increases as the voltage drops. The voltage-controlled overcurrent relay uses an undervoltage element to supervise the operation of the overcurrent element. When the voltage drops below a predetermined level, the undervoltage element permits the operation of the time overcurrent units. Voltage-restrained overcurrent relays can provide faster backup protection than voltagecontrolled overcurrent relays, particularly in cases where the generator voltage does not drop significantly below rated voltage during fault conditions. If the generator voltage always drops below a given voltage level for all faults in which operation is required, the voltage-controlled overcurrent unit may be set to provide faster overall clearing speed
Can a circuit with a GFCI be shared at the box?
Your question is a bit vague, but let's try a two part answer. If you have a GFCI breaker in an electric panel you should only have one connection at the breaker, but the breaker will protect all devices on the circuit. If you are talking about a GFCI outlet, they are equipped to extend the GFCI protection to other non-GFCI outlets by using the proper "output" connection on the GFCI.
Is it NEC code to have a water fountain on a GFCI protection?
Yes. NEC 2005 440.21
Why won't the GFCI trip the panel box when shorted?
A GFCI is not an overcurrent protection device. It only protects people from electrical shock. However, if you were to create a perfect hot to neutral short the GFCI would not trip and the panel breaker would.
What is the difference between overload and overcurrent?
Overcurrent protection is protection against excessive currents or current beyond the acceptable current rating of equipment. It generally operates instantly. Short circuit is a type of overcurrent. Overload protection is a protection against a running overcurrent that would cause overheating of the protected equipment. Hence, an overload is also type of overcurrent. Overload protection typically operates on an inverse time curve where the tripping time becomes less as the current increases.
What does OPD mean in electric terms?
'Overcurrent protection devices' are used to protect conductors from excessive current flow... a fuse
Can you use a GFCI plug into a GFCI outlet?
Yes you can. Lots of blow dryers have GFCI protection built in.
Do you choose a breaker for wire or equipment protection?
Overcurrent current protection is for the wires
What is the electrical abbreviation MOCP?
Maximum Overcurrent Protection
What is over current protaction?
'Overcurrent protection' is a means of protecting a cable and its load from damage due to an overcurrent. An 'overcurrent' is defined as either an 'overload current' (due to an excessive load) or a 'short-circuit current'. In its simplest form, overcurrent protection is provided by means of a fuse, but it can also be provided by means of a circuit breaker. In the case of high-voltage systems, the circuit breaker is tripped by the operation of one or more overcurrent protection relays which monitor the circuit using current transformers.
10kw heater at 220V draws how many amps?
45-50 amps. But your overcurrent protection and wire must be designed for 125% of load so the max overcurrent protection is 55 amps or 60
What happens when you plug a GFCI protected extension cord into an outlet that is GFCI protected?
In a word NO, that will not cause either GFCI to trip. The correct term is GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter)
What is the smallest wire size for which overcurrent protection is specified in the Code?
14 AWG
What is the difference between voltage restrained overcurrent protection and voltage controlled overcurrent protection?
The voltage-restrained overcurrent relay adjusts the pickup setting and characteristic curve of the overcurrent function based on the system voltage. The relay is set pickup greater than overload, and sensitivity increases as the voltage drops. The voltage-controlled overcurrent relay uses an undervoltage element to supervise the operation of the overcurrent element. When the voltage drops below a predetermined level, the undervoltage element permits the operation of the time overcurrent units. Voltage-restrained overcurrent relays can provide faster backup protection than voltagecontrolled overcurrent relays, particularly in cases where the generator voltage does not drop significantly below rated voltage during fault conditions. If the generator voltage always drops below a given voltage level for all faults in which operation is required, the voltage-controlled overcurrent unit may be set to provide faster overall clearing speed
What circuit protection device can be reset after it opens?
A circuit breaker is an overcurrent device that can be reset after it has opened.
