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Focus on Safety: GFCIs & AFCIsVarious Types ofGround-Fault Circuit-InterruptersThe ground-fault circuit-interrupters(GFCIs) and arc-fault circuit-interrupters (AFCIs) are two differentelectrical devices that serve distinctpurposes. A GFCI is designed toprevent electrical shock. It has beenestimated that if GFCIs are installed inhousehold branch circuits, they couldprevent about two-thirds of theapproximately 300 accidentalelectrocutions that happen in andaround the home each year. 1Likewise, AFCIs could save lives as wellas prevent property loss through theiruse and installation. In this article wewill discuss:• How GFCIs work and why they areimportant• How AFCIs work and why they areimportant• Code issues concerning GFCIs andAFCIs1www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/99.html, ConsumerProduct Safety Commission, GFCIs Fact Sheet, 1996.2Ibid.Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupters (GFCIs)A GFCI is a device that interrupts an electrical circuit when a ground-faultis detected. It is specifically designed to prevent electric shock when aperson comes into contact with an electrically energized part. The deviceis only applicable for 120-volt, single-phase circuits. The GFCI operates bycomparing the current between the hot path to the load (an appliance orlight, for example) and the neutral or return path. If an imbalance as littleas 5 milliamps exists for a period as short as 2 cycles (33 milliseconds), thedevice will trip the circuit. A current imbalance condition between the hotand neutral path indicates a ground fault wherein current is somehowbeing diverted to a ground path. 2 An example of a shock hazard conditioninvolving a ground fault would be if someone were standing barefoot ona wet concrete floor and coming into contact with an extension cord withbroken insulation that exposing bare live wire. As one can surmise fromthis example, a GFCI at the electric receptacle where the cord is plugged incould be lifesaving. For older homes with 2-wire 125-volt receptacles, theinstallation of a GFCI receptacle or plug-in module will still protect againstground-faults.GFCIs are available as either receptacles (they are now required by code inbathrooms, kitchens, basements, garages, and other places where watermay be present), plug–in modules for use with power tools, and part of thecord-plug combination of certain appliance such as hair dryers and circuitbreakers. GFCIs include test/reset pushbuttons and these devices should betested after installation and monthly according to Underwriters Laboratory.6
Code Issues Concerning GFCIs and AFCIsArc-Fault Circuit-Interrupters(AFCIs)An AFCI is a device that interrupts an electricalcircuit when an arcing fault is detected. Itis specifically designed to prevent a fire whenan arcing current is detected. The deviceis only applicable for 120-volt, single-phasecircuits. The device works by tripping theprotected circuit when a waveform typical ofan arc-fault current is detected. It can distinguishbetween inrush current, arcing currentwhen a switch is in operation, and the kindof unintended arcing current that can posea fire hazard. These types of hazardous arcscan occur at loose connections and terminationsor where wire insulation has becomedamaged. 3AFCIs are available as circuit breakers and alsoinclude a test pushbutton. As with GFCIs,AFCIs should be tested after they are installedas well as once per month. CombinationGFCI-AFCI circuit breakers are also available. 4Arc-Fault Circuit-Interrupter Circuit BreakersMost municipalities, including Hawai’i, require that the installation of electricalsystems within residential and commercial buildings follow NationalElectric Code (NEC) requirements. Article 210 of the NEC governs therequirements for GFCI and AFCI applications as they apply to branch circuitprotection.Section 210.8 of the NEC - Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupter Protectionfor Personnel - covers the GFCI requirements for residential dwelling unitsand commercial buildings. Section 210.8 (A) lists the specific locationsin dwelling units where GFCI branch circuit protection is required. Theselocations include bathrooms, garages, outdoors, crawl spaces at or belowgrade, unfinished basements, kitchens, areas around laundry and wet barsinks, and boat houses. Section 210.8 (B) lists the specific locations incommercial buildings where GFCI branch circuit protection is required.These locations include bathrooms, commercial and institutional kitchens,rooftops, and outdoors in public places. These requirements apply tosingle-phase 125-volt receptacles rated at 15 amps or 20 amps. 5Section 210.12 of the NEC - Arc-Fault Circuit-Interrupter Protection – coversthe AFCI requirements for dwelling unit bedrooms, guest rooms andguest suites. These requirements apply to single-phase 120-volt branchcircuits rated at 15 amps or 20 amps. 6 AFCIs are required for bedroombranch circuits in new residential construction effective January 1, 2002.As of January 1, 2008 the NEC mandates that the “branch circuits supplyingoutlets installed in dwelling unit family rooms, dining rooms, livingrooms, parlors, libraries, dens, bedrooms, sun rooms, recreation rooms,closets, hallways, or similar rooms or areas shall be protected by a listedarc-fault circuit-interrupter, combination-type, installed to provide protectionof the branch circuit.” 7In addition to permanent installation requirements for GFCIs, there are occupationalsafety requirements governing the use of GFCIs. OSHA Regulations(Standards - 29 CFR) Section 1926.404(b)(1) mandates GFCI protectionof single-phase 120-volt 15 amps and 20 amps receptacle outlets atconstruction sites.Hawaii Administrative Rules Title 12 Subtitle 8 (Division of OccupationalSafety and Health) Part 2 Chapter 89.1 (Electrical) Section1910.304(b)(3)(i) covers GFCI branch circuit protection.3www.nfpa.org, National Fire Protection Association,Electrical Circuit-Interrupters, September2007.4www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PUBS/afcifac8.pdf,Consumer Product Safety Commission, Arc-FaultCircuit-Interrupter (AFCI) Fact Sheet, January2001.So when it comes to safety and fire prevention think of GFCIs and AFCIs!5National Electrical Code Committee, NFPA 70 National Electrical Code 2005 Edition,National Fire Protection Association, 2004.6Ibid.7www.afcisafety.org/codes.html, National Electrical Manufacturers Association(NEMA), Arc-Fault Breaker Safety – Codes and Standards – 2008 NEC AFCI CodeLanguage.7
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Energy Efficiency Takes-Off at the Honolulu International ... - Heco.com

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