809: Focus Four - Electrocution Hazards

Types of GFCI (Continued)

Circuit Breaker GFCI

Rather than install multiple GFCI outlets, one GFCI circuit breaker can protect the entire circuit. At sites equipped with circuit breakers, this type of GFCI might be installed in a panel box to give protection to selected circuits.

Circuit breaker GFCIs should be tested monthly. Keep in mind that the test will disconnect power to everything on the circuit.

Employer Responsibilities

OSHA ground-fault protection rules and regulations have been determined necessary and appropriate for worker safety and health. It is your employer's responsibility to provide either:

• GFCIs on construction sites for receptacle outlets in use and not part of the permanent wiring of the structure; or
• a scheduled and recorded assured equipment grounding conductor program on construction sites.

GFCIs must protect receptacles on the ends of extension cords. Also, an employer may use GFCI circuit breakers. These protected circuit breakers are installed on the main circuit board. GFCI circuit breakers protect an entire circuit.

GFCIs monitor the current-to-the load for leakage to ground. When this leakage exceeds 5 mA + 1 mA, the GFCI interrupts the current. They are rated to trip quickly enough to prevent electrocution.

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