How do ground fault breakers work?

Answer by  sparky35 (196)

Ground fault breakers work by measuring current inbalance in the circuit. If 10 amps leave the breaker it should see 10 amps back on the neutral.

Answer by  Sparky101 (366)

These type circuit breakers utilize a technology which senses faults to ground via the neutral conductor which itself is a grounded conductor. When a fault is detected the breaker will open the fed circuit thus disrupting power. Such type circuit breakers are generally used where there is the potential for moisture as in wet locations.

Answer by  john11 (617)

Ground fault breakers work when a hot wire shorts to ground. This produces a very low resistance in a metal casing, and thus, a very large current. With such a high current registered, the breaker is triggered, to break this circuit before and damage or harm to a person occurs.

Answer by  hollymountain (82)

A Ground fault circuit is designed to prevent accidental electrocutions, with an emphasis on avoiding accidents in a high-risk area such as where water is flowing.

Answer by  Lakshmi65 (715)

GFCI circuit breakers may be added in many panels of older homes to replace ordinary panel boards, in which the panel board might have some problem like wire got sorted or burning of panel board might have happened. instead of having so much of gfi circuit and outlets we can have the panel board which can be replaced.

Answer by  cucuwito (34)

a ground fault breaker re-directs excess power to the earth. The fault breaker watches out for any excess current and lets it flow to the underground.

Answer by  Jdog37 (592)

Ground fault breakers can detect a short to ground which would be a hot wire touching a ground wire or even a hot touching a neutral. It detects this and instantly shuts power off to the circuit so no further damage can be done.