hi can anyone tell me what a GFI receptacle is please?

Question

just someone advised me about lights i had fitted in bathroom and not sure what this means gfi receptacle dowlighters with no covering on them 10 volts each with transformer zone 3 but according to the box which we have found they are suitable for bathroom but it looks like not suitable for directly above bath or shower but someone advised if they are tied into a gfi receptacle its ok just not sure what this means thanks for all your answers been a great help

Answer 1

A gfi receptacle is an outlet that has a safety built right into the receptacle. So, instead of switching your whole breaker when it shorts, (i.e. when water, excessive pull gets to it, like it can in the bathroom, kitchen, outside) just that outlet shorts. Other receptacles that are linked through that gfi are also protected that way, in that, if one of those regular outlets shorts, instead of switching off the breaker, it shorts that outlet, and all the others hooked to it and that gfi. Does that make sense? Its a very good thing to have in your bathroom or kitchen, since those always have a lot of water nearby.

Answer 2

GFI is a shortened version of the correct "GFCI".
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter literally means if there is a ground fault the circuit will be interrupted. (Shut off).
Receptacle (15 or 20 Amp) [size] can either be for 1 or 2 plugs.
1- Anything plugged into it is protected from a fault between the ground and neutral or line side of the circuit.
2- Inside the box, a circuit connected to the "load" side to a light circuit or another receptacle is also protected.
3- This receptacle has a test button and a reset button.
Last time I checked (3 years ago) They were required to be it bathrooms, basements, exterior receptacles and anything above counter-tops and within 5 ft of the kitchen sink.
I know the rules now are much stricter and the NEC handbook can give you the details. (As can a licensed electrician).

Answer 3

gfi or gfci is ground fault interrupter or ground fault current interrupter. These are specially designed receptacles that when shorted out, kill the power to the appliance or lights. You've seen on TV where people get electrocuted by dropping a hair dryer or toaster into the tub of water, well the gfi is designed to kill the power to the circuit when it senses an overload. The premise is to hopefully keep someone from getting killed from electrical shock.

Answer 4

Unles you are the USA ignore most of the above and below.

If you are in the UK a GFI is called an RCCD. If the lights are SELV and in zone 3 in a bathroom No Rccd is required. An RCCD is in fact not required for SELV lighting in any zone. The transformers must be outside of zone 2. If they are above 3m high above the bath they are outside all zones. They surely must be 12 volts, not 10??! Zones 1 and 2 the lights require to be sealed to IPX4.

Zones.. http://www.niceic.org.uk/downloads/Pocket%20Guide%201.pdf

Answer 5

GFIC is a ground fault interrupting circuit, they are used in kitchens and baths near the water in the event the appliance plugged into them fall into the water, you will not be shocked...as; the GFI circuit breaks and is no longer usable until 'reset', either at the breaker box or at the receptacle itself.
Do not have one near a tub or shwr though!!!!!!!
even lights and fans should be away from the tubs and shwrs A a short distance across the room.
lights are 15 amps and recpts are 20amps.

Answer 6

A GFI outlet is a ground fault receptable. It's used in spots where you have water. I have one near my sink in the kitchen, another in the bathrooms, down by your laundry tub and even outside by the hoses. What that receptable does if you plug something in that receptable and there is water near that area that switch will cut it off so you don't get hurt by that water. Any place you have water running you need to put a gfi switch. If you don't and you go to sell the house the inspector will make you put that in becuase today you can't sell a house without these gfi switches installed. It's a code today that these switches need to be in the home and it's for your safety.

Answer 7

A gfi (ground force interupter) is an outlet that has it's own safety.
It will kick off at the outlet rather than blow your whole breaker. If it kicks off it can be reset at the outlet. If it continues to do that though you should have the appliance checked as there may be something more seriously wrong.

Answer 8

Ground fault interrupter. This help to trip the electrical circuit should the receptacle get into water, or short out. It is a very safe receptacle.

Answer 9

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter is an electrical outlet the has a circuit breaker installed in it. Most newer homes have them by the sink areas. It prevents electrical shock if you drop an appliance (hairdryer,etc) in the water.

They can be purchased at Lowes or Home Depot and can be easily installed. Just be sure you turn the electricity off prior to installtion.

Answer 10

Must of been me who told you that...yes GFCI is a ground fault circuit interrupter......and must be used in wet or outdoor areas per code. Basically to save your life . Its a sensitive outlet(also can be breaker type) that is designed to trip upon a very minute amount of ground.......and some say well doesnt all breakers trip on a ground... actually no...not until you might be fried,,, anyways...that is why they made these to be installed around sinks, showers, etc, usually within 6 feet or any such area.. or anywheres outdoors...