Different types of electrical accessories are necessary to connect various devices and appliances. You’re probably already familiar with common ones like extension cords and power strips. However, other lesser known but equally resourceful electrical components exist, such as GFCI circuit breakers.
A GFCI circuit breaker is an innovative circuit breaker recommended for both indoor and outdoor applications. The device is particularly critical when using electrical appliances in damp or moist environments. If properly installed, a GFCI circuit breaker can enhance your safety while optimizing the performance and longevity of the connected equipment.
Interestingly, many people cannot differentiate between GFCI circuit breakers and GFCI receptacle outlets. But while commonly used interchangeably, these electrical terms have entirely different meanings.
This guide shall highlight the fundamental differences between a GFCI circuit breaker and a GFCI receptacle outlet. Read on for an insightful comparison of two of the most indispensable safety devices in a modern electrical system.
What Is A Circuit Breaker?
A circuit breaker is exactly what the word implies—a piece of electrical component designed to interrupt (break) the flow of current within an electric circuKnow the differences between GFCI circuit breakers and receptacle outlets to find out which option is best for keeping your home safe from electrical hazards.it in the event of current overload or short circuit. Installing this safety device can significantly improve the prevention of damage to and enhancement of the performance of your electrical equipment.
Circuit breakers are typically available as basic electrical switches that automatically go off to interrupt fault current flow. These devices have made connecting multiple electrical equipment to a single extension cord incredibly easy.
A surge protector extension cord should work normally as long as it meets the connected appliances’ amperage and voltage requirements. But should the cable pick up a potential current overload, it will trip the integrated circuit breaker, disrupting power momentarily to the connected electrical devices.
What Is A Receptacle Outlet?
An electrical receptacle refers to the openings in a power outlet box designed to receive extension cords or attachment plugs. You can simply look at them as sockets.
Most receptacles (along with their outlets) are embedded into a building’s walls and connect to AC electrical circuits. However, the term may also constitute extension cord sockets.
For electrical receptacles to function effectively, their design must be compatible with that of the extension cords or attachment plugs you intend to use them with. That means a 3 prong extension cord would suit a 3-holed receptacle while a 2-prong cable would equally fit into a 2-holed outlet.
Where a receptacle's number of prongs is incompatible, an adapter plug may be necessary to bridge the gap.
What Is A GFCI Circuit Breaker and GFCI Receptacle Outlet?
GFCI stands for ground-fault circuit interrupter. It's an electrical device designed to protect you from electrical shocks and electrocution by shutting off the electric power supply upon detecting a ground fault.
A ground-fault is an electrical circuit anomaly that occurs when the current strays from its intended path and flows directly to the ground. You can think of it as a sudden drop in electrical current with potentially dangerous consequences.
GFCI devices continuously monitor and compare the quantity of electrical current flowing to and returning from connected appliances along the circuit conductors. In the event of a ground fault, they shut off the power supply with an incredible efficiency of 1/40 of a second.
Now, a GFCI circuit breaker is a device installed at the primary breaker panels. It differs from GFCI receptacle outlets, which are installed at individual outlets.
Core Differences Between GFCI Circuit Breakers and GFCI Receptacle Outlets
1. Point of Installation vis-à-vis Range Of Protection
As we've just pointed out, GFCI circuit breakers are installed in the main breaker panel, while GFCI receptacle outlets are built into individual sockets.
GFCIs installed in circuit breakers shut off the power supply to all outlets and equipment connected to the breaker. That's in contrast to receptacle-built GFCIs, which only regulate power supply to the individual outlet.
Therefore, GFCI circuit breakers provide a more comprehensive range of protection than GFCI receptacle outlets.
One key strategy to improve the performance of your electrical equipment is to connect them to a heavy duty extension cord. These are typically lower-gauge cables with high amperage and voltage ratings, designed for use with power-hungry appliances. But while heavy-duty extension cords can optimize equipment efficiency and durability, you require GFCI circuit breakers or receptacle outlets for an extra layer of protection.
However, note that a GFCI receptacle may protect multiple electrical appliances if an outlet with an extension cord is used rather than directly plugging an appliance into it.
2. Cost Considerations
GFCI circuit breakers, depending on the brand and model, cost between $50 and $70. That’s relatively more expensive than GFCI outlets, which average $25.
Besides their initial purchase price, these two GFCI components differ in their installation cost.
The average cost of installing a GFCI circuit breaker in modern homes (including material schedule and labor cost) is $230 - $350. In comparison, installing a GFCI receptacle outlet costs $130 - $300, with $210 being the median cost for most homeowners.
At first glance, GFCI receptacles seem cheaper to install. However, remember that GFCIs built into outlets only protect the appliances directly plugged into those sockets. In other words, you can only safeguard a single piece of equipment at a time.
Now, consider that a standard property typically has several electrical outlets but may require just one or a few circuit breakers. That means the long-term cost of maintaining GFCI circuit breakers is considerably lower than GFCI receptacle outlets.
Note: The cost of installing and operating GFCI outlets may be reduced substantially if the receptacle is used with extension cords.
3. Flexibility and Convenience
GFCI circuit breakers may offer sweeping protection to all connected electrical equipment. But for enhanced flexibility, you might consider GFCI receptacle outlets.
As GFCI receptacles disrupt electricity to one outlet, you only lose the power supply to a single appliance. The rest of the equipment remains functional as long as no ground fault occurs in its respective circuits.
Moreover, you can reset a tripped GFCI receptacle locally using a button on the outlet. That’s in contrast to GFCI circuit breakers, which would require you to travel to the breaker panel. In most properties, the GFCI circuit breaker panel is located in rooms where electric circuits, such as bathrooms and kitchens, may inadvertently come into contact with water.
You can further improve the convenience of GFCI receptacle outlets by using them with an extension cord with switch.
Extension cords with switches let you regulate current flow to individual appliances using a switch built into the power strip. Simply turn the switch on or off depending on the devices you need to power.
4. Performance and Durability
Both GFCI circuit breakers and GFCI receptacle outlets are reasonably durable.
GFCI circuit breakers can protect your electrical appliances for 30 - 40 years, with 35 years being the average life expectancy. In comparison, GFCI receptacle outlets have a shorter durability of 15 - 25 years.
That said, several factors determine the actual durability of a GFCI circuit breaker and outlet, notably the type and quality of each device and your home’s power needs.
For instance, three-prong outlets have a longer lifespan of up to 30 years than their two-prong counterparts. That’s due to the presence of a grounding wire in three-prong receptacles.
The implication is that all other factors held constant, three-prong GFCI outlets will equally last longer than two-pronged GFCI outlets. So, before determining the frequency with which to replace your GFCI receptacles, upgrading from two-prong to three-prong outlets would be prudent.
Besides age-related wear, frequent current overload and loose wiring also impact the durability of GFCI circuit breakers and receptacle outlets. Excess moisture in a room can accelerate corrosion of the metallic screws on GFCI devices, loosening the wire connection points.
How to Install A GFCI Circuit Breaker
1. Detach the panel cover
Circuit breaker panels are typically covered with metallic or plastic material. With the cover on, it's difficult to access the interior of the panel box.
So, the first step is to unscrew the cover using an insulated flathead screwdriver.
2. Switch off the main breaker
After accessing the interior panel box, cut the power supply to the panel by turning off the main breaker. It's also a great idea to switch off all the individual circuits.
However, note that turning off the main breaker doesn't shut the power to the panel itself. So, avoid direct contact with any electrical cord conductors.
3. Uninstall the existing breaker
Whether upgrading to a GFCI circuit breaker or replacing an old GFCI breaker with a new one, you'll need to uninstall the existing one.
To do that, unscrew the black wire connected to the older breaker.
4. Install your GFCI breaker
After removing the existing circuit breaker, install your GFCI breaker by connecting the white pigtail-shaped wire on the device to the neutral bus bar in the panel. Tighten the screw to secure the connection.
Next, strip off 0.5 - 1.0 inches of insulation material from the black or red wire in the electrical panel box, connect it to the "LOAD" terminal on your GFCI device, and tighten appropriately. This constitutes the hot wire connection.
5. Test the circuit breaker
Insert your new GFCI device into the slot where you removed the older breaker and press it gently onto the bus bar. Switch the power back on, then turn it on to the new GFCI breaker and ensure that it holds. This creates a ground fault.
Now, press the TEST button. You can tell that your new GFCI circuit breaker works if its handle clicks and inches to the center-tripped position.
6. Return the cover
If everything looks great, screw the circuit breaker cover back on.
How to Install A GFCI Outlet
1. Turn off power supply
As a safety precaution, installing a GFCI outlet should begin by turning off the power supply to the receptacle outlet you intend to work on. You can switch off the relevant breaker or detach the fuse.
Use a tester to confirm that the outlet is powered off before proceeding to the next step.
2. Remove the old outlet
Unscrew the older outlet's cover plate using a screwdriver. Using a tester, double-check for current flow on the terminals in the outlet.
Now, remove the screws holding the older outlet to the electrical box and gently pull the device out.
At this point, the black and white wires are still attached to their respective terminals on the older outlet. Unscrew both wires and gently pull them out of the outlet.
3. Measure the space in the box
GFCI outlets are typically bigger than traditional outlets. Therefore, ensure the space inside the box is large enough to house your new outlet.
If the space is too small, replace the outlet with a larger box before proceeding to the next step.
4. Install your GFCI outlet
Connect the black wire on the outlet box to the brass-colored LINE terminal on your GFCI device and tighten the screw. Next, connect the white wire on the outlet box to the silver-colored LINE terminal and tighten it.
Now, fold the wires and gently tuck them back into the outlet box. Push the new GFCI device into place and secure it using the two mounting screws.
5. Test the new outlet
Restore power, push the RESET button on your new GFCI outlet, and press the TEST button. You know the device works if the RESET button clicks and pops out.
If everything looks good, press the RESET button again.
Fit the new cover plate over the outlet and secure it with screws.
GFCI FAQs
Which is better - GFCI circuit breakers or GFCI outlets?
The answer depends on what you’re looking for. While GFCI circuit breakers protect more appliances, GFCI receptacles are easier to install.
Can I use both devices?
It’s okay to use a GFCI circuit breaker and GFCI outlet in the same electrical circuit. While not always necessary, using the two sets of GFCI devices can further improve your home’s electrical safety.
Can you use GFCI devices with longer extension cords?
You can certainly use GFCIs with a 100 ft. extension cord or longer. In fact, you should consider installing a GFCI circuit breaker or receptacle in longer power extenders to minimize malfunctions caused by voltage drops.
So, whether you’re using a 50 ft. extension cord to connect a lawnmower or a bulk extension cord in power construction equipment, you can trust GFCIs to provide the much-required safety.
Summary
Knowing where to install a GFCI device is critical to enhancing the safety of electrical systems in your home or workplace.
Hopefully, this blog helped clear the confusion between GFCI circuit breakers and GFCI receptacle outlets.